The historic site has cemented its reputation as an event venue with bookings taken for almost every weekend in the lead-up to Christmas.

East Maitland Football Club’s presentation day started a flow of events on October 12, followed by a gathering of about 1500 children for Scoutfest across the weekend of October 17, 18 and 19, and a wedding on October 25.

Receptions are booked for November 1 and 8, a birthday party for November 22 and a host of Christmas and birthday parties during December.

The jump in the Maitland City Council-managed site’s popularity coincides with the calculation of a price tag for an ambitious list of possibilities for the 111.82ha Walka precinct, including the Crown reserve and adjoining council-owned land.

A $100,000 masterplan revealed earlier this year included a caravan park, eco cabins, an energy and sustainability centre, jetties, netball courts, community gardens and wetland areas.

Possibilities for the historic buildings on the site included a restaurant and there were plans to restore the water quality of the dam to support fish life.

Council community and recreation services manager Lynn Morton said costs were expected to be finalised by April 2009 with the completion of a management and business plan.

“The business plan looks at the resources and costs for the concepts to support the draft masterplan,” she said on Thursday.

“It’s important to remember that it is a 30-year masterplan and the inclusions in the plan will have to be prioritised.”

The council is also calling for nominations for the Walka Water Works Reserve Management Committee, to oversee the development of plans for the site and their implementation.

The membership has changed to include community representatives and invitations have been sent to user groups including the operators of the miniature rail, Hunter Birdwatchers and the Southern Cross Yacht Group.

Submissions close on November 21.

Ms Morton said the rotunda, eastern annex and the lawn in front of the pumphouse building were the most sought-after locations on the site.

But Walka offered a range of uses, as demonstrated in the concept plan, with divisions between heritage, sportsgrounds, water and bushland or environmental zones.