Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrades

Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrades on Facebook Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrades on Twitter Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrades on Linkedin Email Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrades link

Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade – Saturday construction works

31 January 2025

Council’s contractor undertaking the dam, spillway and boat ramp works at Wentworth Falls Lake has extended their working days to include Saturday’s, between 8am and 4pm (weather permitting).

This is being done to allow the walk over the dam wall to reopen as quickly as possible and to offset some time that has been lost due to wet weather.

The areas available for recreational use on Saturday’s will not change. However, there will be machinery noise that may have some impact on the recreational amenity of the lake, particularly around the pirate ship play area.

To minimise these impacts, there will be no demolition or rock breaking work done on Saturdays and the contractor will be installing mesh on the existing construction fencing.

The contractors will also be requested to arrange their work schedule to focus Saturday work on the spillway – away from the park and play areas – when this is possible.

Allowing the contractors to work Saturdays to complete the dam and spillway works, including the new accessible path on the top of the dam wall, will enable the connection from Sinclair Crescent to Waratah Street via the dam wall to reopen sooner. This connection is of significant value to the community and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2025.


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

Wentworth Falls Lake – Viewing Platform and Pedestrian Walkway opening

2 October 2024

The new accessible viewing platform and pedestrian walkway on the eastern bank of Wentworth Falls Lake is now partially open to the community, providing serene views over the water and surrounding landscape.

The wide viewing platform and walkway replaces the old wooden structure on this side of the lake and gives visitors increased access to experience the lake environment.

From Waratah Road, visitors can now travel along an accessible path that winds along the eastern lake shore, through to the new viewing platform and pedestrian walkway. The walk currently ends at the construction area of the upcoming spillway and dam upgrades.

The opening of the viewing platform and pedestrian walkway is a major milestone for the lake precinct upgrade project and opens more of the lake to a broader range of people.

Significant features of the viewing platform include:

  • Increased protection of the lake edge, flora and fauna by raising the walkway from the lake edge.

  • Lowered handrails on the ‘top deck’ of the viewing platform that provide someone in a wheelchair with an unobstructed view over the lake.

  • A well-integrated, sympathetic design which balances form with function. This includes the use of Corten steel, that will weather and blend with the backdrop of the trees and sandstone cutting, over time.

  • The use of decking with a heel guard mesh.

  • Tactile bumps on handrails to aid navigation for people with impaired vision.

It has been built for the future and constructed from appropriate materials that will withstand future weather events.

Extensive community consultation took place in 2022 on the design of the viewing platform and walkway, resulting in a revised design with a reduced amount of Corten steel featured in the structure.

Over recent months work on a range of complementary accessibility upgrades around the lake have progressively opened for the community, including a new section of the shared path along Sinclair Crescent and a new carpark on Waratah Road.

What’s next:

On-site preparations for the spillway, dam wall and boat ramp upgrades are anticipated to start from Friday, 4 October 2024.

Highly experienced dam remediation contractor, Entracon, has been selected to deliver these important improvements.

The construction methods being used to remediate the spillway and dam wall will result in a small water drawdown of up to 600mm. The condition of the dam wall below the water will require ongoing assessment as work progresses. These works are currently scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2025.

Upgrades to precinct seating, shelters and BBQ facilities as well as the formalisation of a full a precinct walk are also still to come as part of the precinct upgrades.

Visitors are reminded to stay out of all construction areas while the precinct upgrades are underway.


The Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade.

Council has been working to carefully enhance the upgrade plans for Wentworth Falls Lake, in order to deliver an expanded package of works that best support the community’s vision for this iconic recreational precinct:

  • Dam upgrades: upgrade of the spillways, upstream dam wall and weir infrastructure to improve control of water levels for fire protection and community resilience. An upgraded boat ramp, landscaping and staging area for emergency vehicles will also be delivered.
  • Accessible walkway and viewing platform: a new pedestrian bridge and viewing platform, and improvements to how visitors access the northern edge of the lake to Waratah Road.
  • Precinct walk: a walk around the lake and a link to Waratah Road.
  • Carparks: new carparks on Sinclair Crescent and Waratah Road.
  • Plus upgraded precinct seating, shelters and BBQ facilities.

Council is now positioned to deliver the best outcome for the community through a broad package of upgrades that not only enhance how the lake and its surroundings can be experienced, but provide increased protections from future flood and fire events.

More information is available the News Feed below and a series of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the right of this page.


Stay informed with updates on this project - click ‘Subscribe’ in the Stay informed box to the right.

Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade – Saturday construction works

31 January 2025

Council’s contractor undertaking the dam, spillway and boat ramp works at Wentworth Falls Lake has extended their working days to include Saturday’s, between 8am and 4pm (weather permitting).

This is being done to allow the walk over the dam wall to reopen as quickly as possible and to offset some time that has been lost due to wet weather.

The areas available for recreational use on Saturday’s will not change. However, there will be machinery noise that may have some impact on the recreational amenity of the lake, particularly around the pirate ship play area.

To minimise these impacts, there will be no demolition or rock breaking work done on Saturdays and the contractor will be installing mesh on the existing construction fencing.

The contractors will also be requested to arrange their work schedule to focus Saturday work on the spillway – away from the park and play areas – when this is possible.

Allowing the contractors to work Saturdays to complete the dam and spillway works, including the new accessible path on the top of the dam wall, will enable the connection from Sinclair Crescent to Waratah Street via the dam wall to reopen sooner. This connection is of significant value to the community and is anticipated to be completed by mid-2025.


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

Wentworth Falls Lake – Viewing Platform and Pedestrian Walkway opening

2 October 2024

The new accessible viewing platform and pedestrian walkway on the eastern bank of Wentworth Falls Lake is now partially open to the community, providing serene views over the water and surrounding landscape.

The wide viewing platform and walkway replaces the old wooden structure on this side of the lake and gives visitors increased access to experience the lake environment.

From Waratah Road, visitors can now travel along an accessible path that winds along the eastern lake shore, through to the new viewing platform and pedestrian walkway. The walk currently ends at the construction area of the upcoming spillway and dam upgrades.

The opening of the viewing platform and pedestrian walkway is a major milestone for the lake precinct upgrade project and opens more of the lake to a broader range of people.

Significant features of the viewing platform include:

  • Increased protection of the lake edge, flora and fauna by raising the walkway from the lake edge.

  • Lowered handrails on the ‘top deck’ of the viewing platform that provide someone in a wheelchair with an unobstructed view over the lake.

  • A well-integrated, sympathetic design which balances form with function. This includes the use of Corten steel, that will weather and blend with the backdrop of the trees and sandstone cutting, over time.

  • The use of decking with a heel guard mesh.

  • Tactile bumps on handrails to aid navigation for people with impaired vision.

It has been built for the future and constructed from appropriate materials that will withstand future weather events.

Extensive community consultation took place in 2022 on the design of the viewing platform and walkway, resulting in a revised design with a reduced amount of Corten steel featured in the structure.

Over recent months work on a range of complementary accessibility upgrades around the lake have progressively opened for the community, including a new section of the shared path along Sinclair Crescent and a new carpark on Waratah Road.

What’s next:

On-site preparations for the spillway, dam wall and boat ramp upgrades are anticipated to start from Friday, 4 October 2024.

Highly experienced dam remediation contractor, Entracon, has been selected to deliver these important improvements.

The construction methods being used to remediate the spillway and dam wall will result in a small water drawdown of up to 600mm. The condition of the dam wall below the water will require ongoing assessment as work progresses. These works are currently scheduled to be completed in the first half of 2025.

Upgrades to precinct seating, shelters and BBQ facilities as well as the formalisation of a full a precinct walk are also still to come as part of the precinct upgrades.

Visitors are reminded to stay out of all construction areas while the precinct upgrades are underway.


The Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade.

Council has been working to carefully enhance the upgrade plans for Wentworth Falls Lake, in order to deliver an expanded package of works that best support the community’s vision for this iconic recreational precinct:

  • Dam upgrades: upgrade of the spillways, upstream dam wall and weir infrastructure to improve control of water levels for fire protection and community resilience. An upgraded boat ramp, landscaping and staging area for emergency vehicles will also be delivered.
  • Accessible walkway and viewing platform: a new pedestrian bridge and viewing platform, and improvements to how visitors access the northern edge of the lake to Waratah Road.
  • Precinct walk: a walk around the lake and a link to Waratah Road.
  • Carparks: new carparks on Sinclair Crescent and Waratah Road.
  • Plus upgraded precinct seating, shelters and BBQ facilities.

Council is now positioned to deliver the best outcome for the community through a broad package of upgrades that not only enhance how the lake and its surroundings can be experienced, but provide increased protections from future flood and fire events.

More information is available the News Feed below and a series of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the right of this page.


Stay informed with updates on this project - click ‘Subscribe’ in the Stay informed box to the right.

  • Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update

    Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Facebook Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Twitter Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Linkedin Email Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update link

    16 July 2024

    Work on the first stage of upgrades at Wentworth Falls Lake is in full sail with another section of the shared path along Sinclair Crescent almost complete.

    On Friday 19 July sandstone edging will be installed along the path (weather permitting). 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝐚 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐞 𝐜𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐥𝐚𝐢𝐫 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟐𝟓𝐦 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐚, 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝟕𝐚𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑.𝟑𝟎𝐩𝐦. Traffic controllers will be on-site to reduce disruption.

    Other parts of the upgrade project at the lake are also moving ahead:

    • The main steel structure for the accessible walkway and viewing platform (pictured) is being constructed with the steel posts and beams already installed.
    • Concreting of the accessible walk to Waratah Road has been finished and handrails are currently being installed. This will be followed by electrostatic painting – which is weather and temperature dependent.

    Both of the above upgrades are scheduled for completion at the end of August (weather permitting).

  • Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update

    Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Facebook Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Twitter Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Linkedin Email Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update link

    9 July 2024

    Work on the eastern section of the Sinclair Crescent shared path at Wentworth Falls Lake is nearing completion.

    Weather permitting, work on this part of the precinct upgrade should finish by mid-next week.

    Constructing the path has involved changed traffic conditions along Sinclair Crescent and we continue to appreciate the community’s patience while the work is completed.

  • Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update

    Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Facebook Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Twitter Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update on Linkedin Email Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Upgrade - Sinclair Crescent Active Transport Link update link

    28 May 2024

    One lane of Sinclair Crescent (in a small area parallel to Wentworth Falls Lake) will temporarily close from tomorrow morning (Wednesday, 29 May 2024).

    This will allow work to continue safely on the new section of shared path, currently being constructed.

    A simple traffic light system will be in place to help regulate vehicle flow. View a map of the work area here.

    Constructing this piece of shared path is an important part of the Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade and will provide increased safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

    The lane closure is expected to be in place for around five to six weeks as the path is constructed ahead of the school holiday period.

    We apologise for any disruption caused and thank you for your patience.

  • Draft Review of Environmental Factors – dam and spillway upgrade.

    Share Draft Review of Environmental Factors – dam and spillway upgrade. on Facebook Share Draft Review of Environmental Factors – dam and spillway upgrade. on Twitter Share Draft Review of Environmental Factors – dam and spillway upgrade. on Linkedin Email Draft Review of Environmental Factors – dam and spillway upgrade. link

    A draft Review of Environmental Factors (REF) regarding construction of the dam and spillway upgrades at Wentworth Falls Lake is now available.

    The REF, included in the public tender documentation for the upgrades, is a draft version, based on the construction method that would have the most impact on the lake (a water drawdown). It is only provided for the purpose of capturing the risk and cost implication from procurement activities.

    Council has not made a determination on what construction method will be used in the upgrade of the dam and spillway.

    The REF appendices are also available at the links below:

    A note on the appendices:

    • A summary of consultation feedback with relevant public agencies (Appendix D) is included within the REF.
    • Appendix F2 and K are provided to tenderers on request.
    • Appendix C is provided to tenderers only.


  • Feedback Survey now closed

    Share Feedback Survey now closed on Facebook Share Feedback Survey now closed on Twitter Share Feedback Survey now closed on Linkedin Email Feedback Survey now closed link

    18 December 2023

    Thank you to everyone who completed our feedback survey and provided their thoughts on the information and design materials presented at our recent community information sessions (and below).

    All feedback will be reviewed and considered and a summary report will be provided in the new year.

  • Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group

    Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group on Facebook Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group on Twitter Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group on Linkedin Email Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group link

    27 November 2023

    On Monday, 20 November 2023 the Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group convened for their first meeting.

    The Advisory group is made up of nine community representatives and a number of Council’s project team who are working to deliver this important program of upgrades.

    One of the key roles of the Advisory Group is to provide another channel of communication between Council and the wider community about the lake precinct upgrade process. The group acts in an advisory capacity and represents a diversity of skills, experience and interests.

    Members represent the broader community and can be contacted about the lake precinct upgrade for the purpose of raising questions to Council through the Stakeholder Advisory Group meetings.

    Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group members:

    • Clancy Matthews: clancy@ovomalley.com
    • Patricia Cree: pcree@bigpond.net.au
    • Paul Grimson: pgrimsonwf@gmail.com
    • Paul Robilliard: probilliard@tpg.com.au
    • Ricky Spencer: r.spencer@westernsydney.edu.au
    • Robert John Walters: Robert.john.walters@gmail.com
    • Robin Shreeve: shreeverobin@yahoo.com.au
    • Steve Hart: stevehart12@bigpond.com
    • Susan Spooner: sue@spoonerwright.net

    The next Advisory Group meeting will occur in the new year and a date will be communicated in advance.

  • Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group EOIs - closed

    Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group EOIs - closed on Facebook Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group EOIs - closed on Twitter Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group EOIs - closed on Linkedin Email Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group EOIs - closed link

    Closed: Expression of Interest – Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group

    27 October 2023

    Thank you to everyone who submitted an Expression of Interest (EOI) to join the Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group. EOI's have now closed.

    We have received a very strong response.

    Each EOI will now be reviewed and once the Stakeholder Advisory Group membership is finalised, those invited to join will be contacted. This will occur by 13 November 2023.

  • Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group

    Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group on Facebook Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group on Twitter Share Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group on Linkedin Email Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group link

    EOI shave now closed.

    Council is calling for community Expressions of Interest to join an Advisory Group for the Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade works.

    The Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct Stakeholder Advisory Group will provide feedback to Council on the planning of the Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrade project. It will provide a forum for discussion among community representatives and BMCC and help to develop a shared understanding of key project considerations.

    Community members will be selected from among those who nominate during the Expression of Interest process, seeking a diversity of interests as follows:

    Accessibility

    • Bushcare and environmental matters
    • Blue Mountains residents
    • Existing user groups of the precinct
    • Potential user groups of the precinct
    • Role of District Park recreational facilities in the Blue Mountains.

    Please review the Terms of Reference for further details.

    To express your interest in joining the Advisory Group, please complete the submission form (also available in the tab below) by Friday, 27 October 2023.

  • Stage 1 Upgrade works to commence

    Share Stage 1 Upgrade works to commence on Facebook Share Stage 1 Upgrade works to commence on Twitter Share Stage 1 Upgrade works to commence on Linkedin Email Stage 1 Upgrade works to commence link

    19 February 2024

    Construction on the first stage of upgrades at Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct has now commenced, providing key accessibility improvements for the community.

    Stage 1 includes:

    • Construction of a new accessible walkway and viewing platform will run along the eastern edge of Wentworth Falls Lake.
    • Formalising the carpark on Waratah Road.

    Impact on community access

    Access along the eastern edge of the lake will be restricted throughout the project.

    Stage 1 construction areas include:

    • There will be no community access to much of the east side of the lake. Initially, there will be no access to the spillway bridge and walking tracks to Waratah Road, including paths from Bellevue Rd, Apanie Ln/Lake St. However, during the first stage of construction, visitors will still be able to walk along the dam wall up to the closed spillway. When work on the dam and spillway commences, the dam wall walk will also need to close.
    • The boat ramp area will be inaccessible, as it is a designated site compound and construction material will be transported across the water.
    • The Waratah Road carpark will be inaccessible as this will also serve as a construction compound, before work is done to seal the area, providing four parking spaces (including one accessible space) and link it to the accessible walking path.

    These areas will also need to remain closed for work to take place on the dam and spillway, which is anticipated to commence in mid to late 2024.

    As works progress, areas may be progressively reopened to the community.

    Further information about the upgrades is available in the information sheets below or in the document library to the right of the page.

    A map showing the Stage 1 work area is available here.

    Read the media release about the start of construction here.

  • Update on planning process

    Share Update on planning process on Facebook Share Update on planning process on Twitter Share Update on planning process on Linkedin Email Update on planning process link

    July 2023

    Below is a current update on the progress of the major parts of the lake upgrade project. This will be kept updated as work to enhance the lake precinct continues to advance.

    • Dam and spillway: A detailed Review of Environmental Factors (REF) is underway and will be finalised in the coming weeks.
    • Accessible walkway and viewing platform: A closed tender process is currently being conducted.
    • Loop walk: Feasibility stage, with route planning and investigation underway.

    More information is available the News Feed below and a series of Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the right of this page.

Page last updated: 31 Jan 2025, 08:08 AM