Walka Water Works closure
Council has closed Walka Water Works to the public until further notice, as a precaution after the presence of asbestos was discovered during condition assessments.
Walka Water Works is owned by Crown Lands and managed by Maitland City Council. Council has been exploring the opportunities for future use of the site and has undertaken condition assessments funded by the Crown Reserves Improvement Fund as part of this process. Qualified assessors have identified the presence of asbestos at some sites, most likely associated with the site's historical use as a power station.
As the health risks of asbestos exposure are well documented, we are taking the precaution of closing the site to the public until further notice.
Council has notified the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), Crown Lands, and Safe Work and are working with them to quantify risks and determine appropriate management measures going forward.
Council will provide further updates via this webpage as information becomes available.
If you need to discuss your circumstances, please contact our Customer Experience Team on 02 4934 9700.
$45.5 MIL
Total project cost
199
Additional jobs generated
2022
Estimated completion
The new Maitland Administration building is estimated to be delivered at a cost of $30.5m, with associated ground works, upgrades to Town Hall and parking and site landscaping improvements bringing the total project cost to an estimated $45.5m, to be funded via loan borrowings. Completion is expected by the end of 2022.
Car parking including dedicated on-site parking for Council visitors will be located at ground level towards the rear of the site accessed from Devonshire and Grant Streets.
As the project progresses Council will provide ongoing, accurate and timely updates to the community.
Progress updates
Contamination assessment to be complete in June
Friday 8 April 2022
The contamination assessment by specialist contractors is expected to be completed by June 2022.
We hope to start major remediation works in July 2022 after the completion of the assessment phase.
It’s not yet known when the remediation works will be completed and the site reopened.
Both friable and bonded asbestos deposits were found within the soil. The highest risk areas were identified as within the former power station site, pump house lawn, and Walka beach area (image below).
An independent NSW EPA accredited auditor has been appointed to review the investigation and remediation works we are doing at the site.
Site to partially reopen to public in November
Monday 12 September 2022
Walka Water Works is one step closer to a partial reopening this November, with hazard reduction works on parts of the park to start shortly.
After detailed assessments across the Walka Water Works site, a remediation plan has been developed and Maitland City Council has worked with Crown Lands to expedite reopening parts of the site to the community under interim controls.
Work starting in the coming weeks will restore access to Walka via both Scobies Lane and Pumphouse Road, reopen the walking and running trails to the public, and reopening the car park and toilet block.
Upcoming works include the installation of fencing, signage, and capping of specific areas to restrict hazardous areas and allow recreational use of the site. Asbestos air monitoring will also be in place to ensure no ongoing risk to the public.
Project status
Planning commenced
2015
Development application lodged
April 2019
Tenders called for construction
Late 2020
Construction
Early 2021 (18 month build)
Occupied by Council staff
Late 2022 - Early 2023
General FAQs
Is any part of the site open?
While asbestos has only been identified in some parts of the site, out of an abundance of caution the entire site has been closed until further notice.
What about the playground, that’s been closed for months?
We’ve been progressively assessing the site and have been taking action as soon as we were aware of any issues.
I have been to Walka Water Works what is the health risk to me/my family?
The risks associated with asbestos exposure are well documented, and that is why Council has taken the precaution of closing the site as soon as we became aware of the issue.
The Environment Protection Authority (EPA) and SafeWork NSW have been informed and we’ll be working with them to quantify the risks, if any, to the public and determine a way forward. We will continue to keep the community informed.
If you have specific health concerns, you can contact your medical practitioner who will be able to consider your individual health position. Further information about asbestos exposure can be found on the NSW Health website.
If you need to discuss your circumstances, please contact our Customer Experience Team on 02 4934 9700, [email protected] or live chat at maitland.nsw.gov.au
When is the access restricted to and from?
All public access to the entire site has been closed.
Why has this only now become a problem?
Recent condition assessments have been undertaken by qualified and experienced assessors who have identified the presence of asbestos. As a precaution, the entire site has now been closed to the public.
What are the next steps for the site?
We are continuing investigations and will be working with the relevant authorities as to the next steps for the site.
Council will continue to provide updates to the community.
Can I still walk or run around the site?
No. You are not allowed to enter any part of the site.
I've got an event coming up at the site, who can I speak to?
If you have a booking you can contact Council's Major Venues and Facilities team at [email protected] or 0428 195 727.
For any other event enquiries, talk to Council's Customer Experience Team on 02 4934 9700, [email protected], or via live chat on the website.
I'm an Oakhampton resident and need to access the site in an emergency. What should I do?
Council will be in contact with adjoining property owners to determine any emergency site access requirements, including revised flood evacuation plans should that be required.
Can I still have a picnic, will I be at risk?
No. The whole site has been closed as a precaution and is not open to the public at this time. For alternative picnic locations visit mymaitland.com.au
What measures are on site?
Precautionary closures and temporary measures are in place on the site including fencing and signage.
Where is the asbestos being disposed of?
Council will be working with Crown Land and the EPA on an asbestos management plan. If required asbestos will be disposed of in accordance with EPA guidelines.
When will it be opened again?
When the site will open is dependent on the results of further investigations. Until further assessment is complete, we do not know the extent of works required.
Hirers/Weddings FAQs
What does this mean for my wedding?
Those bookings coming up in the short term cannot go ahead anywhere on the site.
Council will contact you directly and do our best to ensure your wedding proceeds at an alternative Council venue.
Will I be compensated for the impact? Fees? Refunds
We will provide a full refund of the booking fee for Walka Water Works, and we will work with you to find another Council location.
Can I reschedule?
Not at this stage and not until we fully understand what the appropriate management measures are. Our priority is working with you on an alternative location.