Wentworth Falls Lake Park upgrades

The next stage of the Wentworth Falls Lake Park upgrade is about to begin.

The focus of this upgrade is the construction of a fully accessible bridge, extending across the top of the dam wall to a walkway on the north side of the lake, and featuring a dual level viewing platform.

The bridge and accessible pathway, that will be around 2 metres wide and span about 56 metres, will deliver an impressive and enhanced viewing experience of the lake for locals and visitors.

Let us know what you think of the designs via the mini survey below, by 18 February.

The new bridge will make it possible for the whole community to access one of the best vantage points from which to enjoy views over the lake.

The upgrade follows the construction of a brand new play space at the lake foreshore in 2021 and will be accompanied by improved pedestrian access from Blaxland Road to the lake in 2022 (see more on this project here).

The bridge is part of the Wentworth Falls Masterplan and Plans of Management, adopted in 2021 after extensive consultation with the community.

District Parks are high quality parks that cater to the needs of the broader community and visitors, offering a wide variety of activities and settings. There are four district parks in the Blue Mountains: Glenbrook Park, Butttenshaw Park, Blackheath Soldiers Memorial Park, and Wentworth Falls Lake Park. All have received, or will receive, a major upgrade as part of the Western Parkland City Liveability Program.

The tender for the works is due for release in February/March, with work expected to start April 2022 and be complete by the end of 2022, weather permitting.

Take our survey by 18 February 2022

Wentworth Falls Lake Plan of Management and Masterplan adopted by Council on Tuesday, 29 June

On 29 June 2021, following an extensive public exhibition and consultation period, Council adopted the Wentworth Falls Lake Plan of Management and Master Plan. These plans were adopted with a minor amendment relating to events.

The Council resolved that events will be limited to 500 people at any one time and will follow the events booking process which will consider noise, parking and residential amenity.

Council also resolved to prioritise a parking precinct plan for the area around the lake and to seek grants to complete the loop walk.

You can view the final Wentworth Falls Lake Plan of Management and Master Plan by clicking on these links or by going to the Document Library to the right of this page.

Blue Mountains City Council would like to thank the community for your ongoing interest and input into this important community space.

The draft Plan of Management and draft Masterplan for Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve have been slightly modified as a result of comments received during the exhibition phase. The revised versions will be presented at the next Council meeting on Tuesday, 29 June for adoption.

The Plan of Management and Masterplan documents for adoption, can be viewed by clicking on the links (bolded) or by going to the document library.

Members of the public are welcome to address this meeting either for or against any aspect of the documents. Please note that this will be your last opportunity to have input into the overall management of Wentworth Falls Lake. Other opportunities for input will arise when funding is identified and the detailed design of components is underway.

If you wish to attend the meeting, you will need to register at the Council Chambers between 6.45pm to 7.20pm on 29 June or you can download and complete the registration form here. Registrations must be sent to council@bmcc.nsw.gov.au by 4pm on the day of the Council Meeting.

Date: Saturday 8 May

Venue: Main Hall, Wentworth Falls School of Arts, corner of Adele Avenue and the Great Western Highway

Time: Public Hearing by Independent Chairperson into the categorisation of the land 10:00 till 11:00

General information drop in session 11:00 till 2:00

Please note that if you would like to make a formal verbal or written submission to the Independent Chairperson you will need to do this at the public hearing between 10am – 11am.

Alternatively, you can come to the drop-in session at any time from 11am – 2pm where Council staff will be on site to answer your questions.

If you require any further information regarding the public hearing please see the attached document entitled 'Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve Public Hearing Background Information 23 April 21'.

Note that written submissions can be made to Council anytime during the exhibition period as outlined here.

Use the submission form here.

You can view the draft documents by clicking on the links here or going to the document library.

• Draft Plan of Management
• Draft Masterplan for Wentworth Falls Lake Park

A Masterplan is a more detailed plan that guides future design to improve function and access, facilitate social activity and amenity for residents and visitors while recognising, respecting and enhancing the existing character. Masterplans must be endorsed by Council.

The Masterplan for Wentworth Falls Lake Reserve considers upgrades such as a new, accessible walkway over the dam wall, improvements to the dam wall to support that walkway, a new, accessible viewing platform, a community kick-about space, additional picnic facilities and a new multi-purpose shelter.

A Plan of Management is a legal document to guide how the park will be managed. The POM divides the park into high level management zones (categories) reflecting their current use. Each zone will be managed for a different purpose; bushland, picnic areas or waterways. It establishes permissible uses, developments and the level of maintenance of the land. These plans must be endorsed by Crowns Land and Council.

The changes permitted by the Plan of Management will enhance the space and the way the community uses it making it easier to get around, and protect the environmental values that make it so special.

Everyone Can Play

Final Design for Replacement Play Space

Thanks to the more than four hundred people that responded to our survey in December and January, we now have the final design for the replacement play space. Council secured $200 000 through the ‘Everyone Can Play’ grant which will top up Council’s contribution of $400 000 to make this place space happen.

It will be a fun, adventurous and fully fenced area suited to its district park status. There will be equipment from both options that went on display before Christmas, including a climbing tower, lots of swings, a giant slide and incorporating inclusive elements across the whole play space.

Construction to commence in March 2021.

Read more detail about the final design of the play space in the News feed below, plus you can download the design images on the right

This proposal includes an accessible walkway over the dam wall, improvements to the dam wall to support that walkway, 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.

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.