Minister's Message

In February 2006, Premier Morris Iemma announced a plan to establish a network of six key regional cities to underpin the State's economic growth and create more local jobs.

The NSW Government is delivering on that plan - with the release today of the draft Penrith City Centre Plan.

The draft visions for Wollongong and Gosford have already been launched, the Liverpool draft vision is also being released today and the draft plans for Newcastle and Parramatta will be launched shortly.

The draft Penrith city centre vision builds on the city's existing strengths and sets the city up for future growth, with new recreational and cultural opportunities, better design and fresh business investment.

Penrith is already a major hub in Western Sydney, with jobs growth and new investment in retail, business, cultural, educational and health industries. This vision plans for an additional 10,000 residents and 10,000 jobs in the Penrith city centre over the next 25 years.

Penrith City Council has worked cooperatively with the Department of Planning on this draft vision and the input of the community reference group has been invaluable.

Today we are releasing four key documents as part of the comprehensive vision for the future of Penrith - a City Vision, a Local Environmental Plan, a Development Control Plan and a Civic Improvement Plan.

These four plans will help to achieve key priorities outlined under the State Plan, which was developed with extensive community input.

The Plan charts a path forward for NSW over the next ten years, setting specific, measurable targets to achieve these outcomes. This includes generating more jobs closer to home and encouraging more people to use parks and recreational facilities.

I would encourage everyone in the Penrith community to read these draft vision documents and have your say on the future of your city.

Frank Sartor

Minister for Planning