The Campbelltown Billabong Parklands will create a new water attraction that will be a destination facility in the heart of the Campbelltown City Centre.
The $31 million state-of-the-art water recreation space is set to revitalise the heart of Campbelltown City and become a landmark facility for Sydney.
It is funded under the Western Sydney City Deals Liveability Fund and will provide a recreation space for people to enjoy. The project includes a range of recreational water play facilities, landscaped areas, parklands and amenities over the four hectare site, including a stream, swimming lagoon and a zero-depth play area.
The landscape features of the design are based on the local Dharawal National Park and Georges River to reflect the importance of our local environment and Aboriginal culture.
On Tuesday 8 December 2020, Council resolved to invest an additional $12.25 million to include state-of-the-art pool operating systems as well as bring forward landscaping and cultural elements that will increase the appeal and functionality of the unique regional parkland. The funding has been made available from Council's unrestricted reserves and will be repaid over a six year period. Including the previous $18.75 million, there is now a total value of $31 million for this project.
We anticipate completion of the project by June 2022.
Billabong is taking shape
Excavation works at the Billabong Parklands site have been taking place over the past six months, with thousands of tonnes of soil excavated to shape the site and the installation of drainage as part of the first phase of the development.
These works are now coming to an end and we are preparing to start work on the Billabong’s main features. As part of this work, we have to undertake the last stage of tree removal that will unfortunately involve the removal of approximately 30 trees from the site. We are conscious of the need for trees to provide shade and habitat for native animals within these parklands so will be replacing them with a minimum of 300 trees, including a variety of native species, as the project progresses. These plants will vary in size to include young tubestock as well as mature trees more than 6 metres tall to provide shade and shelter for people using the facility as well as habitat for native animals.
An ecological expert will ensure the tree removal does not harm any animals who may be using them. Trees will be inspected prior to their removal.
Replacement tree planting will begin at the completion of the earthworks and will be staged throughout the life of the project.
Key elements
- Series of rock pools with streams between
- Lagoon that will be up to 2.0m deep
- Zero-depth water play area with a range of interactive water elements
- Inspired by the rapids, waterfalls and rock pools of the Dharawal National Park
- Open spaces and native tree plantings.
What will the enhancements include?
- Efficient filtration and pump systems to each of the pools
- Extensive integrated art that represents the Campbelltown community and Aboriginal culture
- Enhanced landscape features and services ready for the provision of any commercial opportunities in the future.
Community consultation
We hosted a family fun event, on Saturday 14 September at Apex Park, Bradbury to help residents talk to Council staff about the project.
Thanks to everyone who provided feedback in our Billabong Parklands project survey.
The project is being funded by the Western Sydney City Deals, Western Parkland City Liveability Program that includes $3.75 million contribution from Council.