A new report has urged a bold reconsideration of Western Sydney’s relationship with its waterways, proposing the creation of up to 22 new river beaches.

Business advocacy group Business Western Sydney unveiled the Our Rivers report on Friday as a starting point for discussion to challenge the underutilisation of Sydney’s rivers.

The proposal expands on the state government’s success with Penrith Beach, affectionately known as Pondi, which attracted over 200,000 visitors when it opened last summer.

The group is urging the government to commit to enhancing community access along the Parramatta, Hawkesbury-Nepean, and Georges Rivers, with new beaches, jetty pools, and trails.

David Borger, Executive Director of Business Western Sydney, stated that the proposal presents an “extraordinary opportunity” to reshape the region’s future.

“Brisbane, often considered Australia’s premier river city, has embraced its waterways with vision and resilience,” he said.

“Western Sydney’s rivers, by comparison, remain largely untapped, despite their potential to unlock significant social, environmental and economic benefits.

“This document is meant to spark a conversation on how we can transform our relationships with these waterways and reimagine their role in Western Sydney’s future.”

Although the project has not been costed, he mentioned on 2GB on Friday that it would be a minor expense compared to other infrastructure projects.

The proposal calls for every resident in Western Sydney to have access to riverfronts within 30 minutes of home, outlining benefits such as a decrease in ambient temperatures.
Some of the concepts include a sandy jetty pool with a shark net off the Hawkesbury River near Windsor, an urban lagoon at Camellia on the Parramatta River, and a beach at the Georges River near Haigh Park.

This ambitious plan has already garnered attention, with Blacktown Mayor Brad Bunting urging the NSW Government to explore enhancements to waterways.

“In Blacktown City, Prospect Reservoir is a vast area of natural beauty under-utilised by our growing community – there is a great opportunity there,” he said.

“Greater access to the reservoir and other waterways would encourage exercise and make for healthier, happier communities.”

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