Warragamba Dam to reopen this weekend - Minister Phillip Costa MP

Families are being welcomed back to Warrgamba Dam from this Sunday, with the grounds reopening to the public after being closed for more than a decade to undergo a $240 million upgrade of the precinct.

“The final touches are underway to welcome families back to Sydney’s iconic Warragamba Dam this Sunday,” Mr Costa said.

“Before its closure Warragamba Dam attracted hundreds of thousands of people annually and was one of the most visited tourist destinations in Sydney.

“I know families are looking forward to getting back to their favorite picnic spot, and I encourage families to take advantage of the free shuttle bus service that will run from Penrith rail station.

“We expect large number of visitors will be keen to visit so we’ll continue running the free bus service from Penrith each weekend in November following the Sunday 8^th opening.

“Since its closure in 1998, Warragamba Dam has undergone a major $240 million upgrade and new facilities including new viewing platforms, visitors centre, shade shelters, picnic tables, seating and toilets.

“Families will be able to return to the dam precinct and enjoy the new and improved recreational facilities in time for the warmer weather, including spectacular views of Lake Burragorang behind the dam wall and views of the dam itself.”

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.

“Families visiting this weekend will be able learn about the dam, its history and the drinking water catchments from more than 30 signs throughout the precinct.”

The grounds will be opened from 8^th November 2009 8am-5pm weekdays and 8am-6pm on weekends and public holidays. After daylights savings have ended, the grounds will be open 8am-5pm seven days a week. 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.

Parking at the site is limited and traffic wardens will help manage vehicle traffic during the peak periods after the reopening. Temporary parking locations will be in operation for these times.