The Penrith Lakes Scheme is the result of three quarry companies working together to achieve the co-ordinated extraction and rehabilitation of a flood plain north of Penrith.

Penrith Lakes Development Corporation was established as a joint venture in 1979. Today the corporation quarries sand and gravel from the flood plain.

The Penrith Lakes Scheme is a major restorative project to develop a former industrial sand and gravel quarry into a metropolitan regional park and water-based recreational area.

On the park’s completion in 2013, it will offer 700 hectares of lakes including a main lake large enough to host international sailing competitions, a dedicated wildlife lake and several smaller lakes.

Just 3km from Penrith, the park will contain 1,000 hectares of parklands as well as 300 hectares of urban land containing a blend of rural and urban lifestyle dwellings.

The park currently operates the Sydney International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium. For further information see: www.penrithlakes.com.au

Rehabilitation works by Penrith Lakes Development Corporation to date include:

• The planting of more than 40,000 native trees with 200,000 more to be planted.
• The maintenance of water quality standard to swimming standard.
• The establishment of a natural ecosystem within the lakes and in the surrounding parklands.
• The successful introduction of native fish species to the lakes.