The Daily Telegraph – ‘Construction on the first indoor skydiving facility begins in Penrith’

Written by Chris Georgakopoulos

CONSTRUCTION on the first indoor skydiving facility in Australia has started in Penrith.

Premier Barry O’Farrell attended the sod-turning ceremony at Penrith Panthers.

Indoor Skydive Australia Group CEO Wayne Jones said the facility – next to Harry’s Cafe de Wheels – would have wide appeal.

“We will find kids as young as three, families, sporting clubs, national and international tourists lined up to experienced the feeling of human flight,” Mr Jones said.

“Skydiving enthusiasts and military units from around the world, including from our own Australian Defence Force and specialised units from within, will utilise our facility for training in a safe and cost-effective environment.”

The facility is due to be completed by the first quarter of next year.

Panthers Group CEO Warren Wilson said the iFLY concept would become an exceptional part of the club’s precinct.

“A key part of this vision and property is creating the Panthers entertainment, leisure and sporting precinct for not only Penrith but greater western Sydney,” Mr Wilson said.

Mr O’Farrell was delighted to see another development in western Sydney.

“It is a development that will add to the tourism infrastructure in Sydney’s west, which will create and support 220 jobs during construction and initiate 21 jobs during operation,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“Can I also acknowledge the role of Penrith Council and the Penrith Business Alliance, which is undoubtedly the best chamber that I deal with anywhere across the city. They are forward thinking, determined to deliver jobs to this part of Sydney and encourage businesses like this to come forward.”

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scott