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When Penrith Council opened its much-loved “Pondi” the Penrith Beach on the Nepean Lake Scheme, it quickly became a landmark project. Designed to give residents safe, accessible recreation on their local water ways, it has transformed how people interact with the waterway.
It raises an obvious question for Hawkesbury residents: why can’t we do something similar here?
The Hawkesbury River is one of the region’s greatest natural assets, yet for many residents it remains something to look at rather than properly use. As the local population continues to grow, particularly in areas like North Richmond, the need for well-planned, family-friendly river access has never been greater.
A starting point already exists
In many ways, Hawkesbury already has the beginnings of its own “Pondi”.
The sandy breach at Macquarie Park on the Wilberforce side of the river at Windsor has long been popular with locals. Recently renovated and upgraded, it provides a simple but effective riverside space where people can relax, paddle and enjoy the water.
Its popularity shows there is strong demand for this type of recreation. But it also highlights the limits of relying on a single location to serve an entire LGA.
North Richmond’s untapped potential
Just upstream, North Richmond is one of the fastest-growing parts of the Hawkesbury. New housing estates are bringing young families, retirees and commuters into the area, all seeking open space and outdoor recreation.
Along the river, the pontoon near Hanna Park is already a focal point. It is regularly used by locals for fishing and informal gatherings. On warm days, it’s clear people want to be closer to the water not just beside it.
So why stop there?
Residents have long suggested that this area could be sensitively extended to support additional low-impact activities such as canoeing, kayaking and supervised swimming. With thoughtful design, the pontoon and surrounding riverbank could become a multi-use recreation hub that complements Hanna Park rather than overwhelms it.
Robyn Preston MP for Hawkesbury stated:
Hawkesbury has been identified by Business Western Sydney as one of the top six locations for a Pondi and I am backing that 100%.
Having a beach at Hanna Park, North Richmond would add to the nearby active spaces that have already been planned and approved.
Making better use of Hanna Park
Hanna Park itself is ideally placed for expansion of river-based activities. It already offers green space, parking and amenities, making it a natural candidate for enhanced river access.
Any future development would need to consider safety, environmental protection and flooding lessons Penrith Council has already navigated with its own project. But done well, it could provide a vital outlet for recreation while protecting the river’s health.
Planning for a growing community
The success of Penrith’s Pondi shows what’s possible when councils plan proactively for population growth and changing lifestyles. Hawkesbury is facing similar pressures, but with a river system that is even more iconic.
This is not about copying Penrith wholesale. It’s about asking how Hawkesbury can develop its own version, suited to local conditions, heritage and environment.
The decommissioned Richmond Bridge will convert to a pedestrian and cycleway bridge at the completion of the new Richmond Bridge, so why not enhance that recreational experience.
Hawkesbury City Council should incorporate that concept into a masterplan of the area with swimming and kayaking as part of the mix. says Ms Preston MP.
With the Windsor breach upgraded and North Richmond continuing to grow, now may be the right time for Hawkesbury Council to explore how better river access could meet residents’ needs and help people reconnect with the Hawkesbury River not just as a backdrop, but as a living, shared space. Ms Preston stated:
"I will be advocating for a Hawkesbury ‘Hondi’ at North Richmond and I want funding to flow from the NSW and Australian Governments so that we can deliver an incredible attraction that locals and tourists can enjoy.”
