A major redevelopment proposal for a historic Hunter recreation site is under fire, with a local conservation alliance demanding significant revisions before it proceeds.
Plan contradictions spark community concern
The Save Walka Reserve Community Alliance is urging Maitland City Council to review its draft Plan of Management for Walka Water Works, which is currently on public exhibition. The group's coordinator, Michele Keith, argues that supporting documents contain too many errors and inconsistencies for the community or councillors to make an informed judgement.
"Basically, the plan needs to be revised," Ms Keith stated. "There's too many inconsistencies and errors, and lack of clarity for the community, or the councillors for that matter, to make a judgement based on evidence."
Wellness centre or free community space?
Central to the dispute are conflicting visions for the site's heritage pumphouse. One part of the documentation suggests it will house free interpretive displays, a function room, and a cafe. However, another section describes it as a wellness centre featuring a Japanese onsen and a cafe aimed at high-paying tourists.
Ms Keith highlighted the contradiction, questioning which concept is actually intended. She also pointed out that a separate consultation management plan appears to oppose such a reuse of the heritage building due to the need to protect its fabric.
Adventure playground and major parking expansion proposed
Supporting master plan documents reveal ambitious ideas for the site, including a large adventure playground with obstacle courses, climbing structures, and potential zip coasters or sky cycling. This area would have its own dedicated parking for 120 cars.
The master plan's broader vision aims to eventually accommodate parking for events with more than 2000 attendees. It proposes shifting the main parking away from the heritage core near the pumphouse to a new location at a former dairy farm, converting the existing 90 spaces into a pedestrian-focused zone.
Council defends plan as 'aspirational' framework
Maitland City Council General Manager, Jeff Smith, responded to the criticism by clarifying the documents' purpose. He stated the Plan of Management itself is the statutory, long-term framework, while the supporting concepts are "aspirational in nature" and intended to explore possibilities.
"These supporting documents are intended to explore possibilities and stimulate discussion; they do not represent approved outcomes, final designs or commitments, and they do not override the Plan of Management," Mr Smith explained.
He emphasised that the Crown Land-owned site has been underutilised for decades due to high maintenance costs. Exploring sustainable income generation was intended to protect its long-term value. Any future proposal would require detailed investigation, further community consultation, and full statutory approvals.
The Walka Water Works Plan of Management remains on public exhibition until Saturday, January 31, 2026, with submissions accepted until Friday, February 13, 2026. The community is encouraged to review the documents on the Maitland City Council website.
