Penrith Lakes

The NSW Government is committed to making Penrith Lakes a destination to play, relax, work and visit.

The overall vision is for Penrith Lakes to be a signature piece of regional open space in the Western Parkland City, with a strong world-class sporting and recreational identity.

Penrith Lakes is governed by the Chapter 5 Penrith Lakes Scheme of the State Environmental Planning Policy (Precincts – Western Parkland City) 2021 (hereafter referred to as Penrith Lakes Scheme policy).

The Penrith Lakes Scheme policy includes a Land Zoning Map (PDF, 2.3 MB) that shows what is permissible at the site.

Development Control Plan - Stage 1 

The Penrith Lakes Development Control Plan - Stage 1 (DCP) has been finalised and will guide development on Tourism and Employment zoned land at Penrith Lakes. It has been prepared in line with the requirements under the Penrith Lakes Scheme policy.

View the Final Development Control Plan

The DCP provides the development framework and design considerations for Tourism and Employment zoned land. It provides guidance on:

• Landscaping and tree canopy - to protect and frame views, increase canopy cover, promote biodiversity, ecological conservation and natural landscape amenity.
• Views and vistas - to protect the Penrith Lakes character and preserve views of important landscape elements and heritage items.
• Traffic movement and circulation - to provide new roads and connections to improve accessibility and permeability for all users including private vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists.
• Parking - to ensure the adequate provision of parking in a way that is well designed and integrated with development.
• Stormwater management and water quality controls.
• Consideration of natural hazard risks and environmental values, including flooding, bushfire, site contamination, riparian corridors, waste management, noise, vibration and air quality.
• Urban design and built form controls, including building height, floor space ratio, setback, site coverage, access and heritage.

The draft DCP was on public exhibition for 4 weeks from 21 April until 19 May 2021, with 121 submissions received from the community, council, landowners and government agencies. All public submissions are available on the Planning Portal.

Proposed 2021 amendment to Penrith Lakes Scheme policy

In August 2021, we proposed changes to the Penrith Lakes Scheme policy that would increase employment, recreational and tourism opportunities within Western Sydney.

The amendment was on exhibition from 14 August 2021 until 26 September 2021.

For more information visit the Penrith Lakes Scheme webpage.

Penrith Lakes Water Management Plan

Following more than nine years of cooperation with the major landowner of the Penrith Lakes Scheme, Penrith Lakes Development Corporation, the department has endorsed the Penrith Lakes Water Management Plan (WMP).

The WMP is based on research and evidence and ensures good water quality and adequate water quantity for the 723 ha of lakes and the planned 32 ha of wetlands and smaller water bodies at Penrith Lakes.

It will guide future best practice management of the Penrith Lakes Scheme.

There are four key principles within the WMP:

• water quality management at the source
• use of detention basins and wetlands to enhance water quality prior to water entering the lakes system
• diverse land-based ecosystems
• healthy aquatic ecosystems.

View the Water Management Plan

More information

For more information about Penrith Lakes, contact us by phone or online.