Facilities to be upgraded at Penrith’s Whitewater and Regatta venues

The NSW Government’s funding of $6.7 million for the Penrith Whitewater Stadium and Sydney International Regatta Centre will suppport upgrades to the facilities ahead of the International Canoe Federation’s Canoe Slalom World Championships.

The $3.1 million upgrade to Penrith Whitewater Stadium will ensure the facility is ready to host the Canoe Slalom World Championships in 2025.

The works will see upgrades to the whitewater course and stadium infrastructure including new course gates and obstacles, a new timing system, lighting and stadium pathways improvements and canoe conveyor system upgrades.

The NSW Office of Sport will take over management of the Penrith Whitewater Stadium on 1st July 2023.

State Member for Penrith, Stuart Ayres notes“Penrith is the national home of paddle sports and will now host a world championship. These funds will not only ensure a wonderful event but will breathe new life into a critical Olympic venue.

“It's produced one Olympic Gold Medallist in Jessica Fox and I hope it produces many more as we charge towards the next Australian Olympics in 2032.

NSW Minister for Sport Alister Henskens said the upgrades to Penrith Whitewater Stadium come on top of $3.6 million in the 2022/23 Sport Budget to improve the competition timing system at Sydney International Regatta Centre, commenting "we are proud of our Penrith sporting venues and enjoy hosting, not only our local community and Australia, but the global paddling family."

Paddle Australia Chief Executive Phil Jones welcomed the NSW Government’s infrastructure upgrades to the Penrith Whitewater Stadium and Sydney International Regatta Centre.

Jones advised “the upgrades enable us to meet international specifications for hosting the 2025 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships in Penrith, continuing the legacy of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games for our sport and the local community.

“This essential work will boost the preparation of our Olympic and Paralympic athletes for the Paris 2024 Games, while making the venue more adaptable for other uses like recreational rafting, kayaking and swift water rescue training.”

International Canoe Federation’s President Thomas Konietzko said he was thrilled to bring international competition back to Penrith Whitewater Stadium adding “this upgrade, and the hosting of the 2025 ICF World Championships, will cement NSW and Australia as a world leader in paddle sports."

Images: Paddle sport coaching at the Sydney International Regatta Centre (top); Thomas Konietzko, President International Canoe Federation; Alister Henskens, NSW Minister for Sport; Jess Fox; Stuart Ayres Member for Penrith; Matt Carroll, Chief Executive, Australian Olympic Committee and Paddle Australia, Chief Executive, Phil Jones (below).