An educational hub, a tourist attraction of national significance and a spa are just three of the possibilities for Maitland’s historic Walka Water Works.
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Maitland City Council unanimously approved a master plan for the 64 hectare site at a meeting this week and councillors couldn’t be happier.
The water works property is owned by the State Government but council pays substantial maintenance costs each year.
Council received a $40,000 grant from the state to implement the first stage of the plan which will focus on developing educational attractions at the site.
Cr Ben Whiting said there are a lot of exciting ideas in the proposal which is a credit to those who have put it forward, he said.
He said the council should also pay credit to former Maitland councillor Ray Fairweather and other community members who were involved in promoting the site he said has endless opportunities.
Cr Loretta Baker said Maitland is lucky to have Walka and its wildlife within walking distance of the central business district. “I’d like to see a plan for a spa in the pumphouse,” Cr Baker said.