An Aboriginal land claim over one of Sydney’s most iconic sports stadiums is still unresolved after more than a decade, throwing in doubt an earmarked $300million redevelopment.
Penrith Stadium, home of the all-conquering Panthers NRL team, is the subject of a land claim from the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC) which was first lodged in 2009.
The upgrade to the stadium has been in the works since 2022 with the government collecting feedback from more than 3,000 fans, families and community members to incorporate into the design, which was released in January this year despite the pending land claim on the site.
In April this year the NSW government formally refused the claim prompting the DLALC to appeal the decision, reported The Saturday Telegraph.
The initial land claim from 2009 incorporated the whole of Penrith Park including BlueBet Stadium, Howell Oval and a football training facility.
The appeal lodged on August 30 in the NSW Land and Environment Court covers only BlueBet Stadium and its playing field.
The claim is reportedly set to be heard in November with the $300million redevelopment left hanging in the balance.
The government rejected the claim earlier this year, arguing that the site had been used and occupied by local sporting clubs for years and was also partially used by an essential public road.
Both of these are reasons under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act 1983 which would make the claim to the iconic sports stadium invalid.
In fighting the appeal the government will rely on an agreement between the Penrith Park Reserve Trust and the Penrith Rugby League Club that was forged almost a year before DLALC lodged its claim and remains in place.
Lands and Property Minister Stephen Kamper defended the government’s rejection of the Aboriginal land claim.
‘The stadium and surrounding grounds have been used by a range of local and professional sporting groups,’ he said.
‘We firmly believe this piece of community infrastructure should stay in public hands.’
The NSW Aboriginal Land Council – which lodged the claim on behalf of the DLALC – said the issue should have been resolved years ago so as not to interfere with any future redevelopment plans.
‘Both NSWALC and Deerubbin LALC have clearly demonstrated a willingness not to delay those works, by providing consent for them to occur while the matter is under appeal,’ the council said.
It said both parties attempted to negotiate with the government before lodging an appeal with the Land and Environment Court.
‘Both NSWALC and Deerubbin LALC remain hopeful that the matter can be resolved through settlement negotiations, without the need for delay or uncertainty.’
According to the NSW Government the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium will be a ‘significant boost to Western Sydney and support local jobs during its construction and operation’.
The redevelopment will include a new western grandstand and refurbished eastern grandstand increasing the ground capacity to 25,000.
Grandstands have been reconfigured to maximise seating with premium views between the try lines to be steeper to bring fans closer to the action.
In another win for fans, more food and beverage outlets and amenities will reduce wait times on game days and improve customer experience, as will new scoreboards, sound systems and upgraded lighting.
New player facilities including four new change rooms will help grow female representation in rugby league and other sporting codes.
The hills at the northern and southern end of the playing field will be retained and the training field to the west of the stadium will be remodelled to create a stadium precinct with quality open space for outdoor community, sporting and entertainment events.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said she was ‘delighted’ to see the upgraded Penrith Stadium designs.
‘Thanks to the community involvement, we are confident we are delivering upgrades for fans, while also providing value for money for the NSW taxpayer,’ she said.
‘This is a very welcome upgrade to a stadium that has been well-loved by the passionate Western Sydney community.
‘I cannot wait to see the seats filled as fans come roaring in to enjoy Panthers’ games in the upgraded stadium.’
To facilitate the redevelopment, the stadium is expected to close after the 2024 NRL season, and re-open in 2026.