Grant set to improve Walka Water Works

Planning for the future use of Walka Water Works will be assisted by a $366,000 grant provided to Council by the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund (CRIF).

The grant will allow Council to undertake condition assessments on the c1880s Main Pump House including the Boiler Room, Western Annex, Chimney, Workshop and Basement as well as the dam wall and spillway to identify repair and restoration requirements to preserve the site’s heritage value, heritage integrity and structural adequacy.

Maitland City Council Mayor, Cr Loretta Baker, says ‘Walka Water Works is an iconic location steeped in heritage and has huge significance to our community.

‘The grant provided by CRIF will allow Council to gain an understanding of the condition of the significant historical infrastructure at the site. This will allow us to then consider the best way to develop opportunities to optimise our community’s use of Walka Water Works with a view to enhancing visitor engagement, interaction and access to the site’.

The condition assessment made possible by the grant will assist in planning future works and contribute to the development of a Plan of Management, which is required under the Crown Lands Management Act 2016, and Master Plan for Walka Water Works.

Council will deliver the condition assessment in 2020 in accordance with the grant requirements.