The previous Penrith Biodiversity Strategy was prepared in in 2004. Since this time the population has increased significantly and with it the pressures on biodiversity have also grown. In addition, the biodiversity legislation in NSW has also changed with the introduction of the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 and State Environmental Planning Policy (Biodiversity & Conservation) 2021. The new Strategy responds to these changes and seeks to protect and enhance the area’s rich natural environment.

• Safeguard native species,
• Restore important ecosystems,
• Create green spaces that benefit everyone,
• Set a vision for “nature positive” outcomes, where biodiversity is not only protected but actively improved over time.

The Strategy covers the entire Penrith Local Government Area (LGA): It considers biodiversity corridors for species both within the LGA and those moving into and out of the area.

The Strategy develops actions for specific sites, corridors, species, and plant community types across both public and private land.

The Strategy is a 10-year plan that documents enabling actions to be undertaken over the next decade (2026–2036).

While the Strategy is LGA-wide and covers cross tenure (public & private) land, some of the actions are LGA wide meaning they will apply to the entire LGA while others are focused so will only apply to specific sites or in particular circumstances.

There is no direct connection between the Strategy and the Biodiversity Values Map.

The purple Biodiversity Values Map (BV Map) is a statutory tool created by the NSW Government under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. It identifies land with high biodiversity value and is used to determine when the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme applies to development and/or vegetation clearing proposals.

The Penrith Biodiversity Strategy sets out Council’s approach to protecting and enhancing biodiversity within the LGA. It does not change or override the BV Map because the map is mandated by State legislation. It also does not change zoning or the permitted planning uses of a property.

Some of the actions within the Strategy will be delivered within the existing budget and implemented progressively over the 10-year life of the Strategy. Other actions will be contingent on securing additional resources such as increased operational budgets, external grant funding, or additional staff capacity. There is no obligation to deliver all actions in full and any actions that remain incomplete at the conclusion of the Strategy may be reconsidered and potentially carried forward during the development of any subsequent Strategy.

The Penrith Biodiversity Strategy sits alongside other local strategies, such as the Community Strategic Plan ‘Penrith 2041’, and is informed by state and regional plans. It aligns with state legislation and policies, including the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act and the Greater Sydney Regional Plan, ensuring that local actions contribute to broader environmental goals.

Private landholders are crucial, as much of Penrith’s biodiversity exists on private land. The strategy encourages and supports landholders to protect and restore native vegetation, participate in voluntary stewardship agreements, and access resources such as the Land for Wildlife programme and the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

It is important to note that while the Strategy outlines actions to assist private landholders in managing and enhancing biodiversity on their properties, participation will be entirely voluntary, and there is no obligation for landholders to participate.

No, the Strategy itself does not impose legal restrictions or approvals on what private landholders can do. It is not a regulatory document like a Local Environmental Plan (LEP), Development Control Plan (DCP) or NSW legislation (e.g. Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016).

The Penrith Biodiversity Strategy is primarily a strategic planning document, not a statutory instrument. Its purpose is to guide biodiversity protection and restoration across public and private land in the Penrith Local Government Area (LGA). It sets out goals, actions, and partnerships to improve biodiversity outcomes.

The strategy recognises and integrates First Nations ecological knowledge, supporting cultural burning, partnerships with Traditional Custodians. It aims to foster ongoing engagement and respect for Country in all biodiversity actions.

• High-value bushland reserves and remnant vegetation patches that support threatened species and ecological communities.
• Biodiversity corridors that facilitate species movement and ecological connectivity across the landscape, including links between the Nepean River, South Creek, and the Cumberland Plain.
• Precinct-scale priority areas where urban development intersects with significant biodiversity values, requiring targeted planning and restoration.

These priority areas were identified through ecological assessments, community and stakeholder input, and alignment with state and regional conservation frameworks. They form the focus for targeted actions such as habitat restoration, weed control, connectivity enhancement, and long-term stewardship.

When implementing actions from the Biodiversity Strategy, Council will carefully consider risks to human safety and property. This includes assessing potential impacts such as increased human-animal interactions, bushfire risk, maintenance capacity, visual amenity in high-profile areas, and the potential for antisocial behaviour or litter.