Walka Water Works is a peaceful nature reserve highly valued by Maitland residents. It is the ONLY public access bushland of size in the entire LGA (c. 98,000 residents) for exercise and recreation. It has a special place in the hearts of many local families who have been using it for years. 

Maitland City Council announced October 2022 its intention for part of the site to become holiday accommodation to be run by Reflections Holiday Parks. Reflections have now withdrawn from the project.  Maitland City Council now have a draft Plan of Management and Master Plan which will change the reserve forever!  This proposal is to change the land use for the reserve from " the preservation of Historical sites and buildings" to "Recreational facilities and service", "Community Use and Park". This category is so wide it will allow almost any development into the reserve such as caravan parks and holiday accommodation. 

Walka Water Works Wildlife Reserve contains 4 Endangered Ecological Communities PCT 3433, PCT3442, PCT3975 & PCT4042 protected by the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016, a Vulnerable Macadamia forest protected by the EPBC Act 1999. 17 threatened species of plants and animals. The Reserve provides habitat for over 200 bird species. It is an International Birding Hot Spot. Walka is a critical habitat during drought for the regions waterbirds. It is habitat for Latham's Snipe which fly 8000 km to spend the summer in Australia before returning to Japan.

We support the restoration of the pumphouse and the heritage assets of the reserve. We would like to see the inclusion of interpretive play space for young people and people with additional needs.  The councils plans to attract 227,000 visitors per year by 2040. The surrounding heritage streets and roads access are unable to cope with such a large number of cars and buses needed for such a large number of visitors.  These roads suffer traffic congestion now!

Help us to preserve this unique natural space and our iconic heritage site for future generations! Please sign this petition so we can show the State and Local Government that we oppose changing the land use categories to Recreational facilities and services.  The community does not want large scale tourist development at Walka.

We are asking Maitland City Council revise these plans. Put our Heritage, the natural environment and put our community first!  Protect our iconic masterpiece!