The first stage in the long-awaited reopening of Walka Water Works begins next week.
The Oakhampton Heights complex was originally closed in February this year when widespread asbestos contamination was discovered.
Stage one of the reopening will include restoring vehicular access to Walka via Scobies Lane and pedestrian access via Pumphouse Road.
Walka Water Works’ popular walking and running trails will also open to the public along with the car park and toilet block.
Fencing and signage have been instated and asbestos air monitoring will be in place during the opening week.
“It’s been a long road to get back to a position where we can safely reopen parts of Walka to the community, and we’re pleased to be able to welcome Maitland back to one of its favourite sites,” General Manager, David Evans said.
“We’re exploring every opportunity to expedite the remediation and working closely with Crown Lands to do it, and we’ll keep the community informed throughout the journey.
“It’ll be great to see some of our community groups return to the site too, and I know that there’ll be a few hundred Parkrunners keen to hit the ground running.”
Stage one partial reopen begins on Monday, 5 December.
The remainder of the Walka Water Works site remains closed to the public and will be reopened in a staged approach as Council works in partnership with Crown Lands to complete remediation works. Opening hours will remain as 7.00 am – 7.00 pm during daylight savings, and 7.00am to 5.00pm otherwise. Visit maitland.nsw.gov.au for more information.
