Footy team’s $300M stadium redevelopment is thrown into turmoil as Aboriginal Land Council fights to claim ownership of the venue

An Aboriginal claim to one of Sydney’s most iconic sporting stadiums remains unresolved after more than a decade, throwing a planned $300 million redevelopment into doubt.

Penrith Stadium, home to the Panthers NRL and NRLW teams, is the subject of a land claim by the Deerubbin Local Aboriginal Land Council (DLALC), first lodged in 2009.

The stadium upgrade has been in the works since 2022, with the government gathering feedback from over 3,000 fans, families and community members. This feedback has been incorporated into the design, which was released in January this year, despite the ongoing claim on the site.

In April this year, the New South Wales government formally rejected the claim, leading to the DLALC appealing the decision, it reported The Saturday Telegraph.

The original 2009 land claim included the entire Penrith Park area, including BlueBet Stadium, Howell Oval and a football training facility.

The appeal, filed in the New South Wales (NSW) District Court on August 30, relates only to the BlueBet Stadium and its associated playing field.

The claim is reportedly set to be heard in November, while the $300 million redevelopment remains uncertain.

The government rejected the claim earlier this year, arguing that the site had been used and occupied by local sports clubs for years and that a major public road also ran over it in part.

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Both grounds are based on the Aboriginal Land Rights Act of 1983 and invalidate the claim to the iconic sports stadium.

In contesting the appeal, the government will rely on an agreement between the Penrith Park Reserve Trust and Penrith Rugby League Club. This agreement was forged almost a year before DLALC filed its claim and is still in force.

Minister for Lands and Property Rights Stephen Kamper defended the government’s rejection of the Aboriginal land claim.

“The stadium and surrounding grounds are used by a variety of local and professional sporting groups,” he said.

“We are convinced that this piece of community infrastructure should remain in public hands.”

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council, which filed the claim on behalf of the DLALC, said the issue should have been resolved years ago so it would not hinder future redevelopment plans.

“Both NSWALC and Deerubbin LALC have clearly demonstrated that they are prepared not to delay these works by granting permission to proceed while the matter is under appeal,” the council said.

The stadium (pictured) is an icon of Western Sydney, with feedback from over 3,000 residents incorporated into the upgrade

The NSW Aboriginal Land Council said they have tried to negotiate with the government and the claim should have been settled years ago (pictured Panthers fans at BlueBet Stadium)

Both sides attempted to negotiate with the government before appealing to the Land and Environmental Court.

‘Both NSWALC and Deerubbin LALC remain hopeful that the matter can be resolved through negotiations without causing delay or uncertainty.’

According to the New South Wales Government, the redevelopment of Penrith Stadium will “provide a significant boost to Western Sydney and support local jobs during construction and operation”.

The redevelopment includes a new western stand and a renovated eastern stand, increasing the capacity to 25,000 seats.

The stands have been reconfigured to maximise seating and provide good visibility between the trylines, and have been made steeper to give fans closer access to the action.

Another benefit for fans is that there will be more food and beverage outlets and facilities, which will reduce matchday waiting times and improve the customer experience. There will also be new scoreboards, sound systems and improved lighting.

New player facilities, including four new changing rooms, will help increase female representation in rugby league and other sports.

Penrith Stadium (pictured) is home to both the Panthers NRL and NRLW teams

The hills to the north and south of the playing field will be retained and the training field to the west of the stadium will be converted into a stadium area with high-quality open space for outdoor activities, sporting and entertainment events.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Prue Car said she was “delighted” with the improved designs for Penrith Stadium.

“With community involvement, we are confident we can deliver improvements for fans while delivering value for money to the New South Wales taxpayer,” she said.

‘This is a very welcome upgrade for a stadium so loved by the passionate community of Western Sydney.

‘I can’t wait for the seats to fill and the fans to flock to enjoy the Panthers games in the renovated stadium.’

To facilitate the redevelopment, the stadium is expected to close after the 2024 NRL season and reopen in 2026.