Western Sydney is growing and being transformed to meet the needs of a bigger and changing population. As part of this, the NSW Government is helping to build new communities and infrastructure in the Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek area.
Together with Penrith City Council, Blacktown City Council, and state agencies, the Department of Planning and Environment is helping to deliver new homes and jobs growth, close to transport, schools and public spaces.
To make sure growth is sustainable and builds on the investment and benefits of the Sydney Metro – Western Sydney Airport Line and Western Sydney Airport, the department has prepared a draft Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek Strategic Framework.
Why Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek
Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek was identified as a potential area for growth in the Greater Cities Commission’s Western City District Plan and the Central City District Plan.
Development of a strategic framework for the Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek area supports delivery of The Greater Sydney Region Plan – A Metropolis of Three Cities, a vision for most people to live within 30 minutes of their jobs, schools, healthcare and great places.
The strategic framework delivers on the NSW Government commitment in the Western Sydney City Deal to progress planning in the area. The strategic framework makes sure new homes can be planned and delivered alongside new infrastructure such as schools, health care and transport.
What’s happening now
In late 2022, the department released the draft Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek Strategic Framework for feedback. The feedback submitted during exhibition is now being considered.
When finalised, the strategic framework will guide the future planning for new homes and jobs, close to transport, schools and public spaces.
The strategic frameworks identifies:
- Six key areas suitable for growth and change over the next 20-30 years, including two priority areas:
- St Marys as a priority urban renewal area
- Orchard Hills as a priority urban release area
- A vision for growth and change in Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek
- Key planning priorities for the area
- Directions and actions to deliver on each of the priorities
- Draft state infrastructure required to support growth.
We are also investigating opportunities for growth in Orchard Hills – a key priority within Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek. Precinct planning for Orchard Hills will be led by the NSW State Government and will aim to enable new homes, infrastructure and services to be built to support the new Sydney Metro Orchard Hills Station, scheduled to be operational in line with the new Western Sydney Airport.
The Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek area covers about 19,000 hectares. It extends from the Nepean (Dyarubbin) River in the west to the M7 Motorway in the east. It links the North West Growth Area with the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
What happens next
Based on the feedback received the draft strategic framework will be reviewed and updated. It is expected to be complete in 2023.
For more information read the Greater Penrith to Eastern Creek Draft Strategic Framework – Frequently asked questions (PDF, 236 KB).