New Pathway for Nepean River

Residents and visitors who want to enjoy the beauty of the iconic Nepean River will soon have a public path to make their journey easier and more enjoyable.
Penrith City Council and the State Government, through its Metropolitan Greenspace Program, have jointly funded a 480 metre stretch of path near the river foreshore between Regatta Park and Francis Ave, Emu Plains.
This stretch is stage one of a full program of works that will see the path as well as kerb and guttering continue to the M4. Further stages will be completed over the next four years.
Penrith City Deputy Mayor Jim Aitken OAM said that the path, which is built to be accessible to all, will be shared by pedestrians and cyclists and will include a handrail on the river side of the stage one works.
“This path will allow residents, visitors, cyclists, joggers and walkers to experience an area of great natural beauty in our City and region,” Councillor Aitken said.
“Every day many people spend time with family and friends or enjoy exercising along this scenic area of the river.
“The path has been built on a bank and is designed to meet the latest standards. Council has also installed a handrail and some fencing, which have been made from material and colours that maintain amenity, for better safety and accessibility.
“The kerb and guttering has been installed along River Road, which will control drainage and help protect the riverbank from erosion.
“This exceptional community asset is part of Council’s vision to provide safe walking trails for a healthier community.”
The path is a part of the larger Great River Walk initiative, which aims to build a 570 km stretch of walkable path along the Hawkesbury Nepean River.

One more step toward a truly great walk

A new section of pathway will extend the Great River Walk and provide more opportunities for more people to enjoy the beauty of the Nepean River. The work on River Road, Emu Plains is now underway. It marks the start of a proposed loop along the west and east banks of the river from Victoria Bridge to the M4. The loop will complement the already existing section of the Great River Walk which stretches from the Log Cabin north to Cassola Place. This first stage of the loop will be built between Regatta Park and Francis Street. It will be shared by pedestrians and cyclists and will include a simple handrail on the river side. Penrith City Deputy Mayor Councillor Jim Aitken OAM said the new work was an important step toward realising the visionary Great River Walk which, with the cooperation of several councils, will eventually stretch 570 kilometres from Lake Bathurst near Goulburn to Broken Bay. “The Walk is part of our celebration of Penrith as a ‘River City’ and is an ideal way for people to enjoy this wonderful natural asset,” Councillor Aitken said. “This section of river bank, although unpaved, is already very popular with walkers and cyclists,” Councillor Aitken said. “This work will make the walk safer and encourage more people, residents and tourists alike, to enjoy the stunning views the Nepean River has to offer.” The work is jointly funded by Council and the NSW Government under the Metropolitan Greenspace Program. Image: A new section of paved shared pathway along River Road will make this popular walk safer and user friendly for pedestrians and cyclists.