The vision for Walka is clear: the heart of healthy Maitland

Maitland City Council has endorsed the public exhibition of a comprehensive Plan of Management (PoM) for Walka Water Works. 

Council has reached this significant milestone after listening to extensive community feedback to understand their priorities and develop a long-term, sustainable framework for the management of the site, which is owned by the NSW Government and managed by Council. 

The vision, as outlined in the PoM, is for a revitalised open space and community destination combining heritage, nature and wellness. 

Walka Water Works celebrates its past while offering diverse recreational opportunities, strengthening community connections and enhancing the wellbeing of residents and visitors. 

While remediation of the site remains the current priority, the PoM outlines an aspirational delivery model and clear action plan to improve the use and activation of the site, including restoring the buildings for future use and enhancing Walka as a vibrant recreational destination, balancing heritage conservation, environmental protection and community use, subject to future planning processes and approvals. 

Council will continue to work with the NSW Government on urgent repair and remediation works and has recently applied for several NSW Government grants to secure funding for work outside Council’s remit, supported by Walka's inclusion as a priority project within Council's Partnerships and Advocacy Strategy, which strengthens Council's role as an active advocate for investment and outcomes to benefit the community. 

Council’s General Manager, Jeff Smith says “while we have the current, immediate issues of asbestos contamination and improving the structural integrity of the pumphouse and associated chimney to contend with, it’s also important to focus on what the community have told us is their longer-term vision for the site.” 

“Meaningful and extensive community consultation has identified three key priority areas for Walka Water Works: to celebrate the heritage of the site, have nature at the forefront and to ensure there is free public access forever.” 

Council engaged Ramboll Group to undertake the necessary studies, reports, drawings, specifications and other documentation contained in the PoM, including a Master Plan, Conservation Management Plan, Heritage Interpretation Plan, Historical Archaeological Assessment, Aboriginal Archaeological Assessment, Social Impact Study and Concept Plan. 

The Walka Water Works Plan of Management is a requirement under the Local Government Act 1993 and the Crown Land Management Act 2016. 

The PoM will be on public exhibition until 31 January 2026 with submissions being accepted until 13 February 2026, and the community are encouraged to have their say at mait.city/WalkaPlanOfManagement