Wentworth Falls Lake Precinct upgrades

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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.

  • Western Sydney City Deal Liveability Program

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    This proposal includes an accessible walkway over the spillway, improvements to the dam wall, a new accessible viewing platform and a new multi-purpose shelter.

    The project will be funded under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program, which is part of the Western Sydney City Deal (WSCD). The WSCD is a 20 year-agreement between the Australian and NSW governments, and the eight local Councils of the Western Parkland City.

  • Play Space Final Design

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    Thanks to the hundreds of people that responded to our survey, we now have the final design for the replacement play space which will include:

    • Sky climbing tower with a large tunnel slide.
    • Double slide coming off an elevated platform which connects to the Sky Climber via rope climbing access.
    • Triple bay swing set with infant seat, 2 x traditional sash swings, small nest swing and inclusive boat seat under a shade sail.
    • Bushwood balance trails and climbing nets.
    • Inclusive colourful carousel.
    • Sensory equipment such as infinity mirror, musical instruments and tactile interactive tunnel.
    • A communication board which is a helpful tool that uses symbols and images instead of words to help kids and their carers communicate.
    • Fully accessible timber decking with seating, under the tree canopy facing out toward the lake.
    • There will be areas for quiet play and downtime.
    • The soft fall will be an earthy colour.
    • Fencing around the perimeter of the play space.
    • More than 25 trees planted throughout the Wentworth Falls Lake landscape.

    To see the designs please click here

    Construction to commence in early March 2021.

    Council secured $200 000 through the ‘Everyone Can Play’ grant which will top up Council’s contribution of $400 000 to make this happen.

  • Play Space Reopened

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    The temporary soft fall patching at the kids' play space is complete and the play space reopened!

    Due to consistent rain in recent weeks, the soft fall had deteriorated quickly so a temporary fence was installed while works were undertaken to make it safe again. We will continue to monitor until the new play space is ready.

    We are currently fine tuning the designs for the new play space in this area after receiving some great feedback from the community in December and January. We look forward to sharing these with you later this month!

    The new playground is to be built in the coming months.

  • Temporary Closure

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    Due to consistent rain in recent weeks, the soft fall at the kids' play space at Wentworth Falls Lake has deteriorated quickly. A temporary fence has been put in place, while works are undertaken this week to make it safe again.

    Soft fall patching will be laid as soon as possible. It will need time to dry, and this is expected to take only a few days (depending on the weather).

    We are currently fine tuning the designs for the new play space in this area after receiving some great feedback from the community in December and January. We look forward to sharing these with you later this month!

    The new playground is to be built in the coming months.

  • Replacement Play Space Survey

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    Choose your play space!

    Council has secured funding through the 'Everyone Can Play' Grant to replace the senior play space near the toilets. The junior pirate-ship play space will remain, as it is still in good condition.

    We need you to choose your preferred option for the play space, through our survey. Both options have a nature-based style with many adventurous and inclusive elements. Let us know which option you prefer and there is some scope for mix and match, so you can also let us know which are your favourite pieces.

    View Design Option 1

    • Climbing tower and cargo nets between platforms
    • Giant nest swing and pair of traditional swings
    • Slide off platform
    • Shaded decking under trees
    • Tunnel

    View Design Option 2

    • Climbing tower and climbing trail
    • Triple bay swing set with a variety of 6 swings
    • Slide off climbing tower and double slide off gazebo
    • Shade sail over swing set and sensory elements
    • Bungalow style cubby house

    You can also view the Comparison Table to see what elements are common to both options. For more information about what an Inclusive Play Space is, please read our Frequently Asked Questions.

    You can also download the colouring in sheet for the kids!

    The final design will take into account your preferences as well as being within the capacity of the allocated funding.

    The survey is open from 11 December 2020 to 17 January 2021.

    Don’t miss the chance to have your say at this popular location!

  • 'Everyone Can Play' Play Space

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    A replacement play space is coming soon!

    Council has secured funding through the 'Everyone Can Play' Grant to replace the senior play space near the toilets. The junior pirate-ship play space will remain as it is still in good condition.

    We are currently working on new inclusive play space designs that we will share with you in the coming weeks.

    This funding is separate to the Western Sydney City Deal Liveability grant that is funding other improvements at Wentworth Falls Lake.

  • Next stage of community consultation!

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    We are currently seeking feedback on the early stage preliminary Masterplan and your thoughts on replacing the playground.

    When viewing the Masterplan, you may find the Site Analysis and Design Strategies useful reading as well.

    We are still working on other documents including a Plan of Management which will be formally exhibited later in the year along with the final draft Masterplan.

    To find out what a Plan of Management and Masterplan is, please click here to our Frequently Asked Questions.

    Developing Plans of Management, and finalising designs is a long process. Council is required to follow certain steps, and get approvals from other Government departments along the way. This can take some time to complete.

    We are also looking into the safety of the dam wall as part of the design for the new accessible walkway and we will let you know when we have more information.

  • Will there be an improvement to the playground?

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    Yes, while works on the playgrounds are not included in the City Deal Liveability grant, additional funding has been found through the ‘Everyone Can Play’ grant to replace the old equipment located near the new toilets.

    The pirate ship playground is still in good condition so it will be left as it currently is. We would like to know what type of replacement playground would be best for Wentworth Falls Lake.

  • Share your ideas as images

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    As we can’t meet with you on site to talk about what you and love, and your ideas for Wentworth Falls Lake Park, we’re asking you to let us know by sharing photos on Instagram. You can share photos showing something you love about Wentworth Falls Lake Park, or an idea you have for the future, or both! Make sure you use the right hashtags, so we can include your ideas and feedback

    • Sharing what you love? Use #ilovewentworthfallslake
    • Sharing an idea for the future? Use #wentworthfallslake and #myidea
  • Wentworth Falls Lake Dam

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    Council is undertaking a comprehensive review of the Wentworth Falls Lake Dam.

    It is a legislative requirement and also in line with the proposed improvements for the accessible walkway over the spillway.

    The dam wall will be closed to the public at various times over March and April while investigations are undertaken.


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