Penrith City Council welcomes funding to transform Fernhill Estate into public parklands

Penrith City Council has welcomed the NSW Government’s commitment to transform historic Fernhill Estate at Mulgoa into one of Sydney’s great public parklands.

Council sees potential for Fernhill Estate as a tourist destination, events hub and public recreation space. The NSW Government's recently released Landscape Master Plan for the site supports this vision by creating opportunities and spaces for the parkland to be a major attraction destination.

The NSW Government’s $65 million investment from the WestInvest fund will enable the Greater Sydney Parklands agency to deliver a cultural and recreation venue for Western Sydney, much like Centennial Park and Moore Park in Sydney’s east.

Penrith Mayor Tricia Hitchen said the project has the potential to provide a focus of regional assets for the district and beyond, which forms part of Penrith's scenic corridor that includes the river and lakes.

Mayor Hitchen advised “this announcement aligns with Council’s long held vision for Fernhill Estate – that is its unique offering should be preserved and celebrated through activation that balances public access with the preservation of its iconic attributes and rural setting.

“The estate is a significant part of the Green Grid, that will link the wider Mulgoa Valley, Penrith region and Blue Mountains National Park, through a network of paths and walking trails connecting to areas of green space and waterways ensuring ours is a city that is liveable into the future.”

Formerly private property, it will transform into an accessible public park showcasing the area’s natural and cultural beauty, and will include a range of works:

• New and upgraded park entries for safe vehicle access into the Estate;

• A new estate drive and pedestrian promenade to allow people to walk to Fernhill House from key recreational areas;

• A network of pedestrian paths and walking trails connecting to the wider Mulgoa Valley, Penrith region and Blue Mountains National Park;

• 300m boardwalk around the Northern Dam and access for kayaks and small non-motorised watercraft;

• 1km arc of Indigenous planting in the shape of a lyrebird feather;

• A new nature-based playground and drop-off/pick-up zone for neighbouring Mulgoa Public School;

• Bush revegetation

NSW Treasurer Matt Kean said WestInvest is creating world-class public spaces for the growing Western Sydney population to enjoy now and into the future for exercise, excitement and relaxation.

Treasurer Kean notes “when we launched WestInvest, we asked Western Sydney residents what infrastructure projects would change their local areas for the better.

“The huge majority of responses said they wanted new and improved open and green space and the opportunity to explore nature through walking and cycling tracks.

“Our WestInvest projects provide something for everyone from adventurers, to young families, to those who simply want to sit back and enjoy nature.”

Penrith City Council will continue to work with the NSW Government on the planning for Fernhill Estate and is committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for Fernhill Estate through representation on the newly established Community Trustee Board. This Board allows community members to have a direct impact on decision making by providing advice to Greater Sydney Parklands.

Fernhill Estate was purchased by the NSW Government in 2018. The upgrades and improvements as part of this investment will take place over the next five years as part of The Foundation Plan of Management to 2026.