NSW Government commits $9.2 million towards Penrith Beach, Regatta Centre and Whitewater Stadium

The NSW Government 2025-26 Budget is delivering $9.2 million towards Western Sydney’s Penrith Beach (for two more seasons), the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.

The funding represents the State Government’s commitment to Western Sydney as it works through a State Significant Rezoning to shape the broader Penrith Lakes precinct into a leading destination for recreation, sports and relaxation.

A $5.2 million investment will deliver two more summers of fun at Penrith Beach which has attracted more than 330,000 visitors since it first opened in December 2023.

Penrith Beach (also known as Pondi) isn’t just a great place to take a dip on summer days it’s also building a better community with last season delivering a free Junior Lifesaver program, which helped improve the water safety skills of more than 80 children aged four to 12.

The funding will allow safety and wellbeing to remain a top priority, with more free workshops to be scheduled for the upcoming seasons - focusing on water confidence, skin checks, and learn-to-swim programs.

The NSW Government is also delivering $4 million to help improve the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium so they can continue to welcome more than half a million visitors and host 1,700 sporting and community events annually.

The improvements to the precinct include the installation of a sluice gate, aquatic weed control to enhance water flow, regular water quality testing and reporting, the use of sonic buoys to prevent algae outbreaks, drainage line repairs to reduce flooding and erosion restoration around stormwater infrastructure.

The funding will provide a timely boost to the venues before they appear on the world stage hosting the International Canoe Federation’s Slalom World Championships for the first time in more than 20 years.

From 29th September to 4th October this year, international crowds will gather at Fox Island to witness more than 300 world-class competitors from 50 nations battle it out in the Canoe Slalom. Among them will be the Australian team, featuring Olympic Gold Medallists Jessica and Noemie Fox, along with fellow Olympians Tim Anderson and Tristan Carter.

World Champion and Olympic Canoeist Richard Fox noted “the additional government investment in the Regatta and Whitewater precinct is great news for paddling and water sports.

“Maintaining good water quality is essential for safe and healthy activity on and around water. The planned infrastructure improvements will ensure that events, training and recreation continue to provide social and economic benefits to the community.

“The mitigating strategies safeguard competitions like the upcoming slalom world championships at Penrith Whitewater, meaning Sydney and Penrith will remain a major destination attraction for events and training.”