Mayor Philip Penfold has defended Maitland City Council’s (MCC) stance to back the development of a caravan park at Walka Water Works.

In October 2022, it was announced the Heritage-Listed reservation, which features the 1885 Pumphouse building and walking trails, could be home to a $25 million accommodation hub under a proposal – between the NSW Government, Reflections Holiday Parks and MCC – to transform it into a Hunter tourism icon.

Under the proposal, the Department of Planning and Environment, as well as council, will remediate, restore and upgrade the site.

Reflections would establish the lodgings, including 10 eco-cabins, 12 glamping tents, 40-powered caravan spots, camp kitchen and barbecue area.

But, such moves have drawn the ire of the Save Walka Reserve Community Alliance Inc (SWRCA), which has now garnered more than 2,000 signatures on a petition to stop the venture from going ahead.

The group slammed MCC for the way it’s handled the situation, citing a lack of transparency and public consultation, and promised to take the fight even further by contacting local state and federal MPs for their support.

Cr Penfold admitted he was frustrated by the SWRCA’s claims.

“I would’ve expected an advocacy group to be willing to meet and discuss the issues with council’s general manager (David Evans) and other senior managers,” he said.

“Instead, multiple invitations to talk to the chairperson and other committee members have been turned down, which is very disappointing.

“The GM also received a letter from the SWRCA asking questions.

“He contacted the writer within a day and recommended a meeting.

“The author of the letter was offered the opportunity to bring someone with him, too.

“He graciously accepted… though was later told he didn’t have the ‘authority to accept’.

“So, we can hardly be accused of not being transparent when the group refuses to engage with us in conversation.

“As for their statements surrounding damage to the ecosystem, for example, environmental studies will be conducted as part of the DA (development application).

“The suggestion that these improvements will lead to the loss of vegetation is simple untrue.

“The proposed cabins and accommodation are on grassland and additional planting is also planned for the site.

“Other work includes reopening the eastern lawn, returning weddings and picnics, and Pumphouse building renovations and reopening.

“That’s a great thing for Maitland.”

Cr Penfold said he’d always been a strong advocate for Walka Water Works.

He even called the site “his passion project” late last year, declaring he wanted to return it to its “former glory”.

“I’ve long campaigned for the renovation and reopening of the Pumphouse building for food/beverage,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.

“And, accommodation at Walka has long been a part of council’s Destination Management Plan, which received wide consultation before adoption.

“Irrespective, the community will also be represented with a 15-person consultative committee and be able to comment and engage during the DA process.

“People forget the accommodation is the smallest portion of the planned improvements to the site, which was primarily planted in the 1990s by ‘Work for the Dole’ participants.

“On top of that, the proposal takes up less than 4% of the land at Walka, is a grassland area, and isn’t presently expected to require tree removal.”

Cr Penfold said he could see “nothing but benefits” for the Maitland community moving forward.

“Reflections Holiday Parks solely work on NSW Government Crown Land sites like Walka,” he explained.

“And, there are already 37 locations in NSW.

“So, any profits will be put back into the maintenance and improvement to sites like Walka.

“The community will witness the restoration and return to use of an important heritage building, such as the Pumphouse.

“I expect that’ll open possibilities for food/beverage service to the public.

“Picnic space will also re-open and weddings will return [to the venue].

“Further, the offering of tourist cabins and accommodation will be a boon to local business.

“I believe it’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

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