Free
weekender the western
Friday, December 2, 2022
PENRITH’S #1 NEWSPAPER
www.westernweekender.com.au
Shop 4, Memory Mall 429 High Street, Penrith
TROUBLED WATERS It played a starring role at the Olympics, but more than two decades later Penrith Whitewater Stadium is navigating tricky times, spearheaded by an expired agreement between Council and the State Government, and financial challenges. Emily Feszczuk reports on page 15
Penrith Whitewater Stadium Manager, Jack Hodge.
LABOR ACCUSED OF POLITICAL GRANDSTANDING AS COUNCIL MEETING ERUPTS
STADIUM STANDOFF EMILY FESZCZUK
A
new stadium would have been a fitting venue for the slanging match that unfolded at Penrith City Council on Monday night, as Councillors became entrenched in an emotional debate about the proposed Penrith Stadium development. Labor Councillor Karen McKeown moved a motion for Council to oppose any residential development or residential rezoning on both the Penrith Paceway site and the current
Penrith Stadium site but was accused of having a political motive by her Liberal colleagues. “This motion is very direct. It is very concise. It is clear and unambiguous. It sends a message to our community about where this Council stands on these two sites,” Cr McKeown said. “I know there is some misinformation out there in the community about where this Council does stand, and I think this motion definitely clears that up and sends that real leadership message to our residents.”
Liberal Councillor Ross Fowler questioned how the recommendation would add to a resolution which was already passed on August 22 that recognised that Council knew the Penrith Paceway site is zoned private recreation. It also noted that Council did not support the re-zoning of the Paceway site for highrise development, and it supported the existing stadium to become a dedicated public open space. It also supported the full relocation of the current Penrith Paceway facilities at no cost
to the Penrith District A, H & I Society to a suitable location within the Penrith Local Government Area. With all the Labor Councillors not attending the meeting in person and instead appearing virtually, Cr McKeown and Councillor John Thain believed that the addition would bring clarity to the community by including the point that the former stadium site would not be rezoned. Liberal Councillor Mark Davies accused Labor of “political grandstanding”. Story continues on » p. 3
ADVERTISEMENT
THE FOOD YOURR PETS HAVE BEEN EN WAITING G FOR! R!
ORDER NOW JOIN PENRITH'S LEADING GYM
Scan the QR code for
WW47998
your first order!
49295
10% OFF
YOGA & REFORMER PILATES 5OM INDOOR HEATED POOL OUTDOOR TRAINING GROUP FITNESS PERSONAL TRAINING OPEN GYM FLOOR CRECHE CAFE BOXING FREE PASS (02) 47 600 700
16-19 LAMBRIDGE PLACE, PENRITH
78-88 TENCH AVENUE, JAMISONTOWN