Dam wall open to the public for one day to celebrate 50th anniversary - Minister Phillip Costa MP - 10 October 2010

Special access will be granted to the Warragamba Dam wall for the first time in a decade on October 17 to celebrate the dam’s 50th anniversary, NSW Minister for Water Phil Costa announced.

"I am very pleased to be able to grant access to the dam wall for one day in celebration of its 50th anniversary – people heading to Warragamba Dam on October 17 for the anniversary celebrations are in for a real treat,” Minister Costa said.

“For this one day only, the Sydney Catchment Authority has arranged to temporarily stop construction work on current dam upgrades, allowing members of the public a special opportunity to walk across a portion of the dam wall for the first time in over 10 years.

“Warragamba Dam is situated in a spectacular part of the world, and many people have fond memories of walking across the dam wall. I look forward to joining visitors on Sunday 17th October and taking a walk on the dam’s iconic wall.”

Minister Costa said Warragamba Dam was closed to the public in 1998 to allow a major $240 million upgrade to take place.

The $240 million program of major upgrades included:

  • $111 million auxiliary spillway to withstand a worst-case scenario flood
  • $62 million constructing the deep water pumping station and other works to allow access to deep water in the dam
  • $23 million to upgrading of the dam’s entire electrical network
  • $20 million visitor’s centre and new operations building 
  • $15 million upgrade the valve house lifts, crest cranes and stoplog rails
  • $9 million replacing pipeline valves, spares and inspections as well as fencing and painting.

“Warragamba Dam remains the backbone of Sydney’s water supply system, and these vital upgrades allow us to continue to deliver a world class water supply,” Minister Costa said.

“We have also invested in a major upgrade to the grounds surrounding the dam, including construction of new viewing platforms with sweeping views of the lake behind the dam wall, and I recently had the pleasure of opening a new, state-of-the-art exhibition for visitors.

“I encourage Sydneysiders to come along to the anniversary celebrations and see the improvements for themselves.”

The anniversary event will take place in the Warragamba Dam Grounds on Sunday 17 October 2010, starting with an official ceremony at 10am, with activities and entertainment celebrating the dam to follow the official ceremony from 11am.

In addition to the 50th anniversary celebration, the Warragamba community’s annual Dam Fest event will also take place on Sunday 17th October just outside the dam grounds. It includes amusement rides, food and market stalls, a car and bike show, and helicopter joy rides.

Free buses are being provided for one day only during the 50th anniversary celebrations, and will run from Penrith and Campbelltown railway stations.

Bus times from Penrith station to Warragamba Dam
8.15am*
8.25am*
8.35am*
10.00am
10.30am
11.00am
12.30pm
1.00pm
1.30pm
*Former workers attending the official ceremony will be given priority on these services

Bus times from Warragamba Dam to Penrith station
11.00am
11.30am
12.00pm
1.30pm
2.00pm
2.30pm
3.30pm
4.00pm
4.30pm

Bus times from Campbelltown station to Warragamba Dam
8.15am
10.35am

Bus times from Warragamba Dam to Campbelltown station
11.45am
3.30pm

Passengers taking the train to Campbelltown station should note that due to trackwork, buses will replace trains between Macarthur and Liverpool and between Macarthur and Sydenham on Sunday 17 October. Passengers are advised to allow some extra time for their journey.

For more information about trackwork, call the Transport Infoline or visit www.131500.com.au.