Penrith City Council extends fee relief for outdoor dining and offers free entry to Ripples facilities

As Penrith emerges from lockdown, Council continues to support the community by extending its outdoor dining fee relief for local businesses until 30th June 2022 and allowing free entry for existing and new members into Ripples facilities until 1st December 2021. 

Council previously waived all charges relating to outdoor and footpath dining permits for 32 cafes and restaurants in the Penrith and St Marys CBD throughout July, when they were first limited to take-away operations, and again throughout the lockdown in August and September. These fees had also been waived during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, from 1st April 2020 to 31st March 2021. 

Penrith Mayor Karen McKeown said the aim of this extended financial relief is to help business owners through this period as they reopen their doors to customers. 

Mayor McKeown notes “Council is thrilled that restrictions are lifting and our local businesses can once again offer their services to the Penrith community.

“We understand it will take time to recover from the pandemic and Council hopes that by waiving outdoor dining fees through to July next year, businesses will have greater confidence as they navigate their new normal and work towards returning to standard operations. 

“Our City has shown its resilience and now it is crucial we support one another through the recovery phase.

“We look forward to seeing residents catch up with friends over a coffee at their local café or enjoying a meal with their families at their favourite restaurant as our local economy bounces back.” 

As local businesses reopen, Ripples is also welcoming back its members after remaining closed during Greater Sydney’s lockdown. 

Ripples have reactivated Swim, Gym and Full Facility memberships, however, the team has chosen not to charge existing and new members, allowing them to access the Penrith and St Marys centres for free until 1st December 2021. 

Mayor McKeown adds “Council thanks all of our loyal Ripples members for their patience over the last few months and we are pleased to see the community returning to our centres ready to get active again.”

Council is encouraging permit holders to expand their outdoor dining areas, with written permission required from neighbouring businesses. These approvals will be free and fast-tracked in a bid to help reactivate the CBD. For more information businesses can email property@penrith.city or visit Council’s website 

To find out more about how Council and other community services can provide support during this time, visit penrith.city/covid19.

Image: Ripples Indoor Pool