The Billabong’s back in the news with construction set to begin on a lagoon and swimming pools as part of its next phase of building.
Touted as “an iconic parkland attraction” incorporating water bodies in the city centre, the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands will incorporate a lagoon that will be up to 2 metres deep, children’s pool, a series of rock pools with streams and a zero-depth water play area with interactive water elements.
Since being appointed in August last year, the final design and construction details of the water bodies have been developed by swimming pool specialists, Crystal Pools, who will commence construction onsite in the coming weeks.
The Billabong project is funded jointly by Campbelltown Council, the Australian Government and NSW Government under the Western Sydney Liveability Program ($31 million) and additional funding provided by the NSW Government Public Spaces Legacy Fund ($4 million).
For the past 18 months the site has undergone significant excavation to achieve the correct levels and install extensive drainage across its lowest level to abridge the creek and facilitate water flow through the site.
A sandstone coloured, reinforced concrete pile wall now spans the upper side of the 4 ha site, reaching heights of up to 7 metres across a distance of over 200 metres.
“It’s great to see this significant part of the project now complete and I am looking forward to seeing the water bodies start to take shape in the coming months,” said Director City Lifestyles, Scott Grant.
“We are eagerly anticipating a lot of activity around the site as the project transitions into its next phase of development, including tree planting and landscaping that will produce a real parkland.”
A key feature of the project is the extensive landscaping that will incorporate hundreds of native trees to fulfil the aspiration of the parklands representing the local Dharawal National Park.
Hundreds of native trees will be planted around the site to help to achieve this result, with some plantings of tube-stock and mature plants beginning in spring.
Architectural drawings for the amenity buildings within the facility are currently being finalised and in coming months, Council will commence the process of procuring contractors to finalise works.
