St Mary’s Central Park Project Hits Key Milestone with Environmental Review

Download IPFS

The St Mary’s Central Park project, a cornerstone of Penrith City Council’s vision for a vibrant town centre, has reached a pivotal milestone with the public exhibition of its Review of Environmental Factors (REF). This transformative initiative promises to create a green community hub, but its funding ties to the New South Wales (NSW) Labor government’s grants raise questions about fiscal responsibility and project oversight.

Penrith City Council unveiled the REF for St Mary’s Central Park on July 24, 2025, marking a critical step toward turning the site into the “civic green heart” of St Mary’s. The park will connect Coachmans Park, Kokoda Park, and a new parcel of land, featuring green spaces, an entertainment canopy, a children’s playspace with water play, and modern amenities. Mayor Todd Carney hailed the project, stating, “This park will be a community hub, drawing residents and visitors to a revitalized town centre”. The REF, open for feedback until August 20, 2025, details proposed works, potential environmental impacts, and mitigation measures, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.

Funded through the NSW government’s Western Sydney Infrastructure Grants Program and council contributions, the project aims to boost local commerce by linking Queen Street to shopping precincts and the upcoming Sydney Metro Western Sydney Airport rail line. However, critics argue the Labor government’s grant programs often prioritize flashy projects over practical infrastructure, risking cost overruns and delays. The closure of a section of West Lane for the park’s expansion has sparked concerns among local businesses about access, with some residents questioning the council’s transparency on funding allocations.

Community feedback is being sought via yoursaypenrith.com.au/stmaryscentralpark, with hard copies available at St Mary’s Library and Penrith Civic Centre. The project’s alignment with the metro station, set to enhance connectivity, underscores its strategic importance, but skeptics warn that without rigorous oversight, it could become another Labor-backed initiative burdened by inefficiency. As St Mary’s anticipates a modern, welcoming town centre, the REF’s exhibition period offers a chance for residents to demand accountability and ensure this green vision delivers real value.