Cover story

 TOURISM | DALLAS SHERRINGHAM

PENRITH might be the hottest place in Sydney, but it will soon become the “Perisher of the West” when Australia’s first indoor snow and ski resort opens in 2024.

Currently a horse paddock in the Riverlink Tourism Precinct, the proposal has successfully passed through Penrith City Council.

In a win for tourism in Western Sydney, Council endorsed the planning proposal to build the innovative winter sporting facility which will be a benchmark for tourism in the region.

Winter Sports World site owner and developer Peter Magnisalis said he was excited to work collaboratively with the council and the NSW Planning Department on fi nalising plans for Australia’s fi rst indoor snow resort and alpine winter att raction.

Th e development proposal was supported in principle by councillors, who voted in favor of Cr John Th ain’s motion of six amendments to the plan.

Mr Magnisalis praised Penrith Council for supporting one of the largest tourism developments in the area’s history.

“Penrith has billed itself as the `Adventure Capital’. It’s great to see that the council has embraced that adventure. It’s going to be a thrilling – and cool – ride.’’

Using real snow, the $300m development proposed: • A 300m advanced run for experienced athletes and a dedicated learn to ski run. • Olympic sized ice rink. • Competition venue for figure, ice hockey, speed skating and alpine skiing. • Ice climbing for mountaineer training. • 4.5-star 120-room hotel. • Restaurant and cafes with snow views. • Fine dining revolving restaurant.

Currently a 2.35ha horse paddock located within the vibrant Riverlink Tourism Precinct on the banks of the Nepean River, the site would also include a Winter Wonderland snow play area, conference and function rooms.

Mr Magnisalis said Winter Sports World would generate 900 new ongoing tourism jobs aft er construction and inject $80m a year into the local economy with 250,000 visitors annually.

“Not only will this be a major new tourist att raction for Western Sydney right on the doorstep to a new international airport it will be the fi rst indoor snow resort and alpine winter att raction in Australia,’’ he said.

In the immediate and long-term, Winter Sports World would: • Help Penrith Council meets its goal to double visitation and tourism revenue by 2025 • Bolster Penrith as an attractive leisure and tourism destination • Boost confidence in Western Sydney tourism and business • Attract new ventures to the region • Raise the profile of Penrith and

Western Sydney domestically and globally • Attract international elite snow and ice athletes and provide a training venue for nine Olympic sports including alpine skiing, freestyle skiing, snow board, figure skating, ice hockey, speed skating and curling with the possibility of also catering for cross country and biathlon.

However, Mr Magnisalis said he wanted the development to be accessible and aff ordable to all.

While Australia had about one million regular skiers, of which about 700,000 were in Sydney, another 4.5 million people did not ski because they could not access the snow, he said.

“It’s just too hard for them to go there or too expensive so they haven’t been introduced to it.”

“I want people who have never skied to come here to learn. I want school and community groups to come here.

“We will have perfect snow under perfect skies all year round, and Winter Sports World will be the coolest place to hang out on those scorching forty-degree summer days in Penrith.’’

He envisaged that Winter Sports World would become a feeder to established outdoor ski fi elds like Th redbo and Perisher, rather than a competitor.

Mr Magnisalis began developing the idea for Winter Sports World seven years ago and undertook extensive research with architect Tone Wheeler including visiting several snow centres around the world before fi nalising plans.

Th e carbon-neutral design of the development by renowned eco-friendly architecture practice Environa Studio would set new environmental building benchmarks with features such as the most advanced technology for capturing and reuse of free heat, roof solar system for electrical energy needs, insulation systems, non-toxic cooling and roof water harvesting for snow making.

It would also att ract visitors to Penrith to experience Australia’s freshest emerging tourist destination just 9km from the country’s newest international airport at Badgerys Creek, which is due to open in 2026.

“Th is is not a local thing. Th is is a national off ering that will att ract cashed-up elite sports people and leisure seekers from around the world,’’ Mr Magnisalis said.

“I’ve had people tell me that this project is overly ambitious. It is ambitious, but Penrith deserves it. It’s going to change the way people view Penrith.’’

Winter Sports World would strengthen Penrith’s tourism off ering, particularly along the Riverlink precinct between activity att ractions at Penrith Panthers and the Nepean Belle Paddlewheeler, Mr Magnisalis said. It would also help provide the ``missing link’’ between Sydney Zoo and Raging Waters Sydney at Eastern Creek and Scenic World at Katoomba in the Blue Mountains, he said.

“Located just off the motorway, Winter Sports World will give a reason for more people to stop and experience Penrith.”

“It’s the happening location. It’s where the action and people are. Th at’s what gives us the confi dence to invest $300M.’’

Construction will hopefully commence next year subject to planning approvals, with Winter Sports World expected to open in winter 2024.

Artist impressions of the competed development.

- Peter Magnisalis.

Big vision: Peter Magnisalis.

As one of 11 Regional Academies of Sport geographically spread across NSW, the Western Sydney Academy is focused on providing holistic development programs for local western Sydney athletes aspiring to reach the pinnacle of their chosen sport.

The Academy sits within Sport Australia’s formally recognised athlete development pathway – known as the FTEM Model (Foundation/Talent/Elite/Mastery) – at the talent identification and development level. The Academy engages with State Sporting Organisations, State and Local Government, and a number of other key stakeholders to plan and deliver talent identification and development opportunities. Our holistic programs are predicated on three platforms – technical, education and personal development.

As a not-for-profit organisation with a voluntary Board of Directors, the Academy relies on the support of these stakeholders to ensure the delivery of our programs is effective and aligned with each sport’s development pathway.

Currently, the Academy provides scholarships to over 150 talented young athletes across a range of sports, including:

BMX – Cycling – Golf – Lone Star – Netball Umpiring – Netball –Softball – Rowing – Triathlon – Rugby Union

For more information about the Academy and our operations, go to www.wsas.com.au or call our office on Tel: 4732 4977

Due to the inability to complete our 2021 program the Academy has decided to extend the BMX program into 2022 for all current squad athletes – and also seek nominations for the regenerated program. Keep an eye on our website for the opening of nominations.

Our individual athlete “Lone Star” program squad members were recently inducted into the Academy --- with 11 athletes from a range of sports including athletics, fencing and canoe slalom commencing their involvement through educational and personal development opportunities.

In an exciting initiative involving western Sydney junior clubs, a rugby union program will commence as soon as health restrictions allow, with over 120 nominations for male and female squad members received for this new program.

Our Triathlon program got underway with an induction meeting in September, and our high performance coaching staff will be delivering the program’s technical and personal content in the near future.

Over our 17 years of providing opportunities for talented young athletes in western Sydney, we have been fortunate to have assisted a number of exceptionally successful athletes. While we don’t claim to have made these famous Alumni what they are today, we take great pride in having provided fundamental knowledge and skills which better prepared them for their journey to success.

Some of our most celebrated Alumni include:

Jessica Fox (Slalom Canoe/Kayak)

Triple Olympian & World Champion Ian Borrows (Slalom Canoe/Kayak) Olympian Amanda Spratt (Road Cycling) Triple Olympian Taylah Tsitsikronis (Softball) Olympian Rachel Lack (Softball) Olympian

Penrith Stadium, 143 Station Street, Penrith NSW | P 02 4732 4977 E natalie@wsas.com.au | www.wsas.com.au