Panthers Group CEO Warren Wilson AM has joined outgoing Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler OAM in declaring Penrith the logical location for a new stadium in Western Sydney.
The State Government's recently announced Stadia Strategy Implementation report gave six recommendations, of which the construction of a dedicated rectangular stadium in Western Sydney was a priority in the next ten years to meet future sporting and event requirements.
Mr Wilson said Penrith's location, population and projected growth make it the clear choice for a new stadium.
"Penrith is the heart of Western Sydney, an exciting destination for both Australian and international visitors, and the most logical location for a new stadium in the region," he said.
"I am confident the State Government will make the right decision and build the world-class venue the people of Penrith deserve."
Councillor Fowler agreed Penrith's location as a regional city centred between Sydney's north-west and south-west made it an obvious choice.
"Penrith has a catchment of half a million people which is expected to grow in excess of a million people in the coming decade," Cr Fowler said.
"Our city is known as a sporting and event destination welcoming more than 1.3 million visitors annually. More than 20% of these are attending special events, annual, monthly and weekly events.
"My vision for a new Penrith Stadium is a multi-purpose facility that caters for many sports, concerts and other events.
"A new stadium in Penrith will not only give us a first class sporting and event venue, it brings with it development opportunities that will grow local employment and the Penrith CBD economy.
"We will continue to work with the State Government, Panthers, the NRL and others to put our case forward for the new stadium to be built in Penrith."
