Hunter Fields is a sports field bounded by Nepean Street, Cary Street and the Great Western Highway in Emu Plains.

The 1km shared path is proposed to run along Nepean Street, Cary Street and Hunter Street.

Hunter Fields’ popularity and close proximity to the Great River Walk makes it a busy location for people accessing the river. A shared path will provide a safe and accessible connection between Hunter Fields, the Great Western Highway, the Great River Walk and River Road.

It will:

• Improve safety and accessibility for people walking or cycling between Hunter Fields and River Road.
• Ease traffic congestion by making it easier and more comfortable for people to access the precinct without a car.
• Boost the green canopy and improve the streetscape by planting additional trees to provide shade.
• Enable active lifestyles by providing the infrastructure for residents to enjoy a walk, run or ride from Hunter Fields to the Great River Walk.
• Improve road safety by constructing raised pedestrian crossing facilities, enabling accessible and safer crossings for all users.

Pedestrians and cyclists of all abilities will be able to safely access the precinct by using the shared path.

The proposed shared path is in line with the projects and routes identified in Council’s Penrith Accessible Trails Hierarchy Study (PATHS) Implementation Plan, Green Grid Strategy and The Great West Walk, which have undergone community consultation.

Project notification letters for the shared path were sent to neighbouring properties and businesses in May 2026.

The community will have another chance to have their say on the shared path during the detailed design process, scheduled for late 2026.

The removal of some shrubs and trees will be required to allow for the shared path and crossing facilities to meet the minimum design requirements.

Tree planting will be included in the design to ensure that any tree loss will be replaced. This will actively increase the number of trees within the precinct.

The proposed shared path will include crossing facilities at two key intersections to improve access and safety. The upgraded crossings will be delivered in accordance with the relevant standards and guidelines, which will require minor adjustments to kerbside parking at these locations. The proposed design of the shared path will ensure that any further impacts on street parking are kept to a minimum.

This design project is funded by the NSW Government’s Get NSW active program helping to make walking and bike riding easier, safer and more convenient for people of all ages and abilities.

There is no funding secured yet for the construction stage of the project. Council will be pursuing further opportunities for delivery of the project as they become available.