The second stage of the Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade is now underway
The second stage of the Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade is now underway
17 October 2024
Stage 2 of the essential dam and spillway safety works at Wentworth Falls Lake to ensure structural integrity of the dam wall will require a small water drawdown of 600mm. This 600mm drawdown, which is substantially less than the 2.5m drawdown originally proposed by NSW Public Works, is similar to past natural evaporation events that have occurred over the years.
Council extensively investigated options to avoid any reduction of the lake water level. Following expert advice and in consultation with an independent dam specialist, this water drawdown is required to safely complete the work.
An extensive negotiation process has been undertaken with a selection of experienced contractors to arrive at a final construction method that is based on public safety, minimal impact on the environment, financial responsibility and community expectations.
Stage 2 includes the construction of:
• Necessary dam upgrades for community safety.
• Spillway upgrades to improve control of water levels for fire protection and community resilience.
• An upgraded boat ramp and emergency vehicle access road.
Community access to parts of the lake will continue to be restricted during the upgrade project, including:
• The boat ramp area.
• The path across the dam wall and spillway.
• The grassed incline on the back of the dam wall.
This complex package of work is scheduled to be complete mid-2025.
The dam, spillway and boat ramp improvements follow the recent completion of other important accessibility upgrades at the lake:
• A new accessible viewing platform and pedestrian walkway
• An accessible path along the eastern edge of the lake to Waratah Road
• A new carpark on Waratah Road
• Improvements to the shared path along Sinclair Crescent.
Read the media release about the completed upgrades.
Above: Water levels during a previous natural evaporation event indicative of a 600mm drawdown.
Above: Wentworth Falls Lake Stage 2 community access map.
Above: Indicative gabion replace - rip rap (rock beaching).
Above: Wentworth Falls Lake Drawdown Indicators
