Blue Mountains Drive sign is up!

The official ‘sign’ for the new Greater Blue Mountains Drive has just gone up outside the Penrith Valley Visitor Information Centre encouraging locals and visitors alike to take an exciting new touring journey that links the spectacular world heritage landscape of the Blue Mountains to the regions that surround it starting with Penrith Valley.
The sign features several maps including one of Penrith and surrounding area up to Springwood and encourages people to take several well known tourist walks including the first stage of the Great River Walk as well as the Glenbrook Discovery Trail.
The map points out other interesting things to see and discover in Penrith including the Nepean Gorge, Penrith Regional Gallery and Lewers Bequest plus the Penrith Lakes scheme which includes Olympic venues such as the International Regatta Centre and Penrith Whitewater Stadium.More information about the Blue Mountains Heritage Drive can be found at http://www.greaterbluemountainsdrive.com.au/ and then simply follow the links

Celebration Cruise on the Belle

Nearly 100 invited dignitaries and guests climbed ‘all-aboard’ the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler on Friday, December 7 to celebrate its 25th Year Anniversary as well as see the launch of several City Marketing initiatives including the Penrith Valley Experience magazine and the Tour Ideas Kit for 2008.

Lesley Edwards of Muru Mittigar Aboriginal Cultural & Education Centre also received a Certificate of Recognition for its recent NSW Tourism Award win in the ‘indigenous tourism category’.

For good measure the function also doubled as a Christmas Party with tea, coffee and cakes all served during the 90 minute cruise down the Nepean River.

As the Belle settled in for its short stay in the spectacular Nepean Gorge, the official part of the cruise commenced with the Mayor of Penrith Councillor Greg Davies describing the vessel as an ‘icon’.

“The word “icon” is greatly overused but the Nepean Belle is definitely a Penrith icon,” said Councillor Davies. “It could not exist anywhere else in the world. Our river and Penrith’s proximity to the stunning Nepean Gorge is unique.

“In celebrating the Nepean Belle, we are really celebrating the vision, endurance and efforts of John and Helen Wakeling and family, who have created and sustained this institution through many challenges over the past quarter century.”

A short chronological history was then relayed about the Belle before Proprietor and captain of this unique vessel John Wakeling was called upon to say a few words. John thanked Penrith City Council for all their support over the years as well as his immediate family including wife Helen and sons David, Luke and Simon.

The Mayor then launched the new editions of both the Penrith Valley Experience magazine and Tour Ideas Kit to a nice round of applause.

“These guides will be direct mailed to Seniors Groups such as Probus Clubs, numerous service and community organisations, bus and tour companies,” said Councillor Davies. “They are two highly valuable and successful publications, envied by many of our competitor destinations.”

Following a few well chosen words from Penrith Valley Experience publisher Graeme Dube, it was up to City Marketing Supervisor Paul Page to conclude the official part of proceedings before everyone was left to mingle and enjoy the views of the gorge on the return trip back to Tench Reserve.

“Not even the wild unexpected downpour in the middle of official proceedings could dampen the spirits of everyone on board,” joked Mr Page. “It was a most enjoyable function and as usual I’d just to finish by wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year.”

Photo caption: (L-R) Mayor of Penrith City Greg Davies, John & Helen Wakeling (Nepean Belle) and City Marketing Supervisor Paul Page proudly display the new editions of the Tour Ideas Kit and Penrith Valley Experience magazine.

To view a video highlights package of the day go to:-

http://au.youtube.com/profile?user=peterlang1000

Views sought on entertainment and lifestyle precinct

Council is asking residents to view and share their thoughts on the draft Riverlink Precinct plan. The plan will guide the development of an attractive regional entertainment, tourism, leisure and lifestyle precinct centred on the beautiful Nepean River with views of the world-heritage listed Blue Mountains.

Penrith City Mayor Greg Davies said the precinct covers lands along the eastern bank of the Nepean River between the Main Western Railway Line, the M4 Motorway and Mulgoa Road.
“The Riverlink Precinct will see the area become a vibrant hub for local residents and the greater region in entertainment, tourism, leisure and lifestyle activities,” Councillor Davies said.
“The precinct will complement and link to the existing City Centre and comprises entertainment facilities as well as a mix of employment and residential uses.
“The Nepean River is the key focal point. The plan promotes high quality development that showcases and enhances connections to the river. Public access to the river will be easier through carefully planned public domain and open space.
“Council, Panthers and ING Real Estate developed the draft plan. Council now eagerly seeks your comments. Your views are vitally important if we are to develop the area in ways that enable the City to grow while keeping its unique character and special qualities.”

Residents can view the plans at Council’s Penrith Civic Centre and St Marys Queen St Centre during normal business hours and at Penrith Panthers.