Project Update - April 2025
Update 14 April 2025
Below is an update on the significant progress being made on the Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrades:
- A new flood gate valve has been installed.
This replaces the old sluice gate system. The valve unit is blue in colour from the manufacturer. We have investigated options for painting it but have been advised that paint would flake off – which is not suitable from an environmental or a visual perspective. The valve will soon be partially covered by a ‘debris reflector’ – similar to a cage – to help protect it from any debris (tree limbs etc) which may flow over the top of the spillway during very heavy rain, and will help reduce maintenance and increase its longevity. This may reduce the visual impact slightly, however it will still be visible through the cage.
- The spillway safety boom.
As part of the dam safety requirements, a new boom will be installed at the lake, in May (date currently TBC). The installation of the boom has two purposes:
- community safety.
- diverting debris around the spillway making it easier to collect before it goes into Jamison Creek.
The contractor, Entracon, is currently preparing a detailed boom anchor design for Council’s approval.
The boom is orange in colour which we know will be a point of discussion within the community. However, this colour reinforces the primary function of the boom which is to warn swimmers, kayakers and other water users that they are approaching the spillway and to provide a physical barrier to them progressing any closer.
For this reason it is important that the boom is highly visible.
It is not possible to change the colour of the boom (similarly to the valve, any paint applied would flake off over time) and diminishing the colour would also undermine its purpose and effectiveness.
Dam wall and spillway.
Work is ongoing along the toe of the wall and on the spillway. Preparations are also being made for pathway work along the top of the wall. This is now anticipated to start from early May. The work on the path should take around two weeks (weather permitting).
Construction of the boat ramp.
This is around 80% completed. The access road and its surrounding area is progressing well. The remaining work includes road pavement, kerb, furniture, lights, turf, and planting.
Sinclair Crescent carpark.
The carpark design is approximately 80% complete. Council is navigating various approval processes required by utility providers, where their assets sit within the current footprint of the new carpark. This has been a lengthy external process.
