Walka Water Works is a heritage listed complex set on 64 hectares of reserve. The former industrial site, owned by Crown Lands, has been managed by Maitland City Council since 2007.
Walka Water Works is identified as one of five key priority destination hubs outlined in Council’s Destination Management Plan, which was adopted in 2020.
Due to asbestos contamination, the site was closed to the public in February 2022 and was partially reopened in December 2022.
In February 2025, Maitland City Council was informed that the $10M in funding through Regional Tourism Activation Fund funding source was withdrawn by the NSW Government’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development as a result of the project scope no longer including an accommodation element.
Council engaged the Ramboll Group to undertake the necessary studies, reports, drawings, specifications and other documentation required to commence the planning process for the remediation, restoration and revitalisation of the Walka Water Works site.
There are five steps that need to be taken to help ensure a sustainable future for Walka and generations to come, these are listed below.