MAITLAND: Ramboll Group to Lead Walka Water Works Restoration as Principal Consultant

Maitland City Council has announced the appointment of Ramboll Group as the Principal Planning Consultant for the revitalisation of the Walka Water Works site, marking a major step forward in the effort to restore this historically significant area. The consultancy will be responsible for conducting comprehensive studies, creating reports, and delivering a master plan to guide the remediation and restoration of the site, which has been partially closed due to asbestos contamination.

After an extensive tender process, Ramboll Group was chosen to prepare the necessary planning documentation to ensure a smooth pathway to reopening the site. This will include a Conservation Management Plan, Masterplan, Plan of Management, Social Impact Study, Aboriginal Archaeological Assessment, and an Ecological Impact Study. These plans are expected to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.

Walka Water Works, a former industrial site, has been closed to the public for safety reasons as the presence of widespread asbestos contamination poses risks to both visitors and the environment. Maitland City Council, which manages the site on behalf of Crown Lands, is working closely with the NSW Government to secure funding for the much-needed remediation work.

Jeff Smith, General Manager of Maitland City Council, outlined the complexities surrounding the site’s restoration. “There are significant constraints and challenges due to the widespread asbestos contamination. If left untreated, this would not only be hazardous to the community but also to the natural flora and fauna of the area.”

Community consultation will play a key role in shaping the future of Walka Water Works, with opportunities for residents and stakeholders to provide feedback at various stages of the project. “We are committed to working closely with key stakeholders, including local user groups and the broader community, to develop a sustainable vision for the site,” Mr Smith said.

The Council initially consulted with the public in 2020 as part of its Destination Management Plan. However, as Mr Smith noted, this current phase will focus on a more comprehensive and long-term strategy for the site’s future uses and ongoing management.