Council said this following a request by Clr Maurice Girotto for it to consider the feasibility of a theme park being located in the local government area.
The council report said theme parks were developed by the private sector and it was appropriate that the private sector take the risk on such developments.
“Council’s role is to provide site suggestions and supporting information in order to encourage interested developers to develop new facilities in Penrith,” it said.
In 2004 Council adopted a recreational and cultural strategy and while ‘theme parks’ were not specifically identified in the study, the adopted strategy identified Penrith Lakes as the focus for regionally based recreation activities themed around water.
“In a few years, when Penrith Lakes is complete and fully handed over to the NSW government, this precinct will offer unparalleled opportunities to develop further tourist attractions based around aquatic recreation,” the report said.
Penrith, the report said, has an attractive range of outdoor and adventure activities for visitors including Penrith Whitewater Stadium, Cables Wake Park, Jet Pack Adventures at the Sydney International Regatta Centre and, soon to open, iFly, Australia’s first indoor skydiving centre.
“These attractions are not only unique in Sydney, but across Australia and the world,” the report said
“These experiences, packaged with major events such as the Sydney International Rowing Regatta, Defqon.1 [musical festival], Caravan and Camping Show and Penrith Working Truck Show, make Penrith a great place to visit.”
Council said it considered the significant resources required for it to investigate the viability of establishing a theme park would be better directed elsewhere.
For example, delivering the planned recreational facilities to serve a wide range of needs across the city, promoting Penrith to major theme park companies or consortia and assisting the private sector to identify suitable sites for a theme park should the opportunity arise
