A proposal for a new shared path between Walka Water Works and the Maitland CBD has taken another step forward.
During its council meeting on Tuesday night, Maitland City Council agreed to a motion to engage with Hunter Water to seek to utilise their land around the area to construct the path.
Put forward by Deputy Mayor Philip Penfold and seconded by Councillor Ben Whiting, the motion was unanimously supported.
Mr Penfold said he was very pleased the motion was passed.
“The Levee and Walka Water Works are two fantastic locations for recreation in Maitland, though we need a safe option for a cycle/walking path to connect the two,” he said.
“Despite opposition to the proposal being included in the delivery program initially, I am very pleased to see the Mayor and other Maitland Labor councillors now accept the progression of action on this important recreation link for the people of our city.”
A council briefing was held in November last year that included the presentation of several options for consideration including routes along the river and routes utilising the existing Hunter Water corridor for the cycleway.
The proposed path would provide residents with more opportunities to cycle and go between the two sites, connecting Walka Water Works with Belmore Bridge.
An iconic location within the city, Walka Water Works is loved by the community.
The pumphouse, with its striking chimney and brickwork, is part of one of the largest and most intact 19th Century industrial complexes in the Hunter Valley.
The site is used for park run, picnics and family fun, while the former boiler house and adjacent lawn is currently used for wedding receptions, parties and special events.
It also offers 112 hectares of park, lake and bushland surrounding the historic building.
For more stories like this:
