THE Minns Labor Government is investing $5 million into making Penrith Lakes a recreational fishing haven that will open parts of the parklands to people for the first time after the transformation is completed in 2028.
Planning and design work is currently underway to deliver what will become known as the Penrith Lakes Fishing Park – a new flagship recreational fishing haven for Western Sydney within the Penrith Lakes complex.
This project is part of the Minns Labor Government’s commitment to growing participation in this popular outdoor activity and a great way to launch Gone Fishing Weekend today.
Concept work for this new development has been undertaken and soon Western Sydney communities will have their own fishing haven right in their own backyard.
The proposal will see two of the artificial waterbodies at Penrith Lakes converted into family -friendly recreational fishing lakes, that are safe, accessible for everyone and provide first class recreational fishing opportunities in the heart of Western Sydney.
To further progress the transformation of the Lakes into a fishing haven the Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car and Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty today released more than 200 Australian native bass fish to kick start a stocking program to attract recreational fishers.
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.
This Minns Government proposal is responding directly to the priorities of recreational fishers that they put forward during consultation this year to produce the Enhancing Recreational Fishing Action Plan.
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.
Interim Chair of the NSW Recreational Fishing Peak Body Greg Seeto said: “The Penrith Lakes Fishing Park has the potential to become a fantastic fishing destination for Western Sydney, giving families a safe and accessible place to get outdoors and enjoy fishing”
“Creating more quality fishing opportunities close to where people live is an important part of making recreational fishing more accessible and encouraging greater participation.”
“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”
