Families encouraged to take advantage of free shuttle buses as thousands flock back to Warragamba Dam - Minister Phillip Costa MP - 14 November 2009

NSW Minister for Water, Phil Costa today encouraged families to take advantage of a free shuttle bus service to Warragamba Dam this weekend, now open after more than a decade to undergo a $240 million upgrade.

Minister Costa said free buses will run from Penrith Station every hour between 8.30am and 3.30pm and will continue for the remaining weekends in November to make it easy for families to get back to their favorite picnic spot.

“When the dam grounds reopened last Sunday, more than 2000 people of all ages braved the overcast day to take part in the opening and we expect even more families will visit this weekend,” Mr Costa said

“Before it closed in 1998 for a $240 million program of upgrades, the dam was one of the most visited tourist attractions in Sydney, drawing hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

“Since the reopening last weekend, a steady flow of several hundred people a day have visited the grounds, proving the dam has retained its appeal.

“The grounds at the dam have received a major refurbishment with new picnic shelters, tables, and landscaping.

“Three new viewing platforms to provide excellent views of the dam and lake have been hugely popular with families revisiting the site.

“New signage throughout the site provides information about the dam, its history and our drinking water catchments. Heritage items have also been placed around the grounds for people to view,” Mr Costa concluded.

Additional temporary parking is available at the dam and traffic marshals will help manage the expected high number of vehicles.

Warragamba Dam is open 8am-5pm weekdays and 8am-6pm on weekends and public holidays. After daylight savings have ended, the grounds will be open 8am-5pm seven days a week.

A new visitor centre and exhibition at Warragamba Dam is being built and will open in early 2010 to celebrate the anniversary year.

Access to the dam wall is still closed for construction works, due for completion in 2012. Future access to the dam wall will be reviewed at this time.

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 under construction
  • $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.