The NSW Government has announced it will invest $5 million in the creation of a Penrith Lakes recreational fishing haven.
Planning and design work is currently underway to deliver what will become known as the Penrith Lakes Fishing Park within the Penrith Lakes complex.
The project will open parts of the parklands to people for the first time after the transformation is completed in 2028.
Concept work for the new development has been undertaken and soon Western Sydney communities will have their own fishing haven right in their own backyard, said NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney, Prue Car.
“Western Sydney families deserve a range of outdoor spaces close to home, and the new Penrith Lakes Fishing Park will deliver exactly that,” she said.
“At a time when families are under pressure, having free, world-class, outdoor destinations nearby including Penrith Lakes, Penrith Beach, and the new Gulguer National Park will make a real difference.”
The proposal will see two of the artificial waterbodies at Penrith Lakes converted into family-friendly recreational fishing lakes.
To further progress the transformation of the Lakes into a fishing haven, 200 Australian native Bass fish were released to kick start a stocking program to attract recreational fishers.
Fishing for Bass is a popular pastime, because this fish is a powerful predator, known for their aggressive strikes and hard-fighting nature, making them a thrilling catch for experienced or beginner anglers.
The project will design and construct the following family friendly facilities to deliver the fishing haven:
- Full fish stocking program, increasing the number of mature and immature native fish into the Lakes to create a unique marine environment
- Walking tracks to and around the lakes and car parks next to each lake
- Fishing platforms and disabled access ramps in each lake that access for everyone to safely get close to the water for their fishing
- Fish cleaning tables and fishing gear tidy bins for disposing of items such as offcut line and hooks
- Seating and tables plus restroom amenities and picnic areas.
There is currently no public access allowed to the two lakes that will be the centrepiece of the project site at Penrith Lakes. This project will open up additional park space for Western Sydney communities.
“Penrith Lakes has enormous potential as a place for recreation, and this proposal is an exciting opportunity to create a new fishing destination for Western Sydney,” said Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Paul Scully.
“We want to see Penrith Lakes become a place that more people can enjoy, while making sure the necessary planning, access and safety requirements are properly addressed.”
Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty said the $5 million proposal will create a popular fishing location that is accessible for everyone.
“It’s a game changer for anyone in Sydney who loves to fish or wants to give it a go without owning a boat or heading onto an ocean rock platform,” she said.
“This will be a major drawcard for anyone visiting Sydney that wants to have a fun day out. In time we will investigate other opportunities like fishing guides, or a tackle shop and other experiences to make this even better.”
NSW Recreational Fishing Peak Body interim Chair, Greg Seeto said the new park had the potential to become a fantastic fishing destination for Western Sydney.
“Creating more quality fishing opportunities close to where people live is an important part of making recreational fishing more accessible and encouraging greater participation,” he said.
“Improving fishing access and participation are important priorities identified through public consultation and reflected in the NSW Recreational Fishing Action Plan. As an independent representative body, our role is to ensure recreational fishers have a strong voice in decisions affecting the future of fishing across NSW.”
“We look forward to working constructively with the NSW Government and the recreational fishing community to deliver better fishing opportunities and experiences across the state.”
