Sydney’s iconic Warragamba Dam will be reopened to the public next month, after being closed for more than a decade, Minister for Water Phil Costa announced today.

Minister Costa said final preparations are under way to welcome families back to Warragamba Dam, with the precinct reopening its doors from Sunday 8th November. 

“This is first time the public have been allowed access to the site since the dam was closed in 1998 for a $240 million upgrade program and I know families are looking forward to getting back to their favorite picnic spot,” Mr Costa said.

“Before its closure Warragamba Dam was one of the most visited tourist destination in Sydney, attracting hundreds of thousands of people annually.

“We want to make it easy for people to get to the dam and a free shuttle bus will operate from Penrith rail station to Warragamba, to help manage the expected large number of visitors.

“Families can take advantage of the free service that will run on the weekends in November following the Sunday 8th opening.

“We’ve invested in a major upgrade to the grounds surrounding the dam including construction of new viewing platforms with sweeping views of the lake behind the dam wall.

“The dam has been closed for more than 10 years for vital upgrades that allow us to continue to deliver a world class water supply,” Mr Costa said.

The $240 million program of major upgrades included:
•    $111 million auxiliary spillway to withstand a worst-case scenario flood
•    $62 million constructing the deep water pumping station and other works to allow access to deep water in the dam
•    $23 million to upgrading of the dam’s entire electrical network
•    $20 million visitor’s centre and new operations building under construction
•    $15 million upgrade the valve house lifts, crest cranes and stoplog rails
•    $9 million replacing pipeline valves, spares and inspections as well as fencing and painting.

“With most of the upgrades finished, we’re looking forward to welcoming families back to new and improved recreational facilities just in time for the warmer weather,” Mr Costa said.

“The new facilities at the dam include shade shelters, picnic tables, seating and toilets.

“More than 30 signs are currently being installed throughout the precinct to allow visitors to learn about the dam, its history and the drinking water catchments.

“The three new viewing platforms provide spectacular views of Lake Burragorang behind the dam wall as well as views of the dam itself.

“Historical equipment used in the construction and operation of the dam has also been placed around the grounds to help visitors learn more about this iconic structure.”

The grounds will be opened from 8th November 2009 8am-5pm weekdays and 8am-6pm on weekends and public holidays. After daylights savings have ended, the grounds will be open 8am-5pm seven days a week. Access to the dam wall is still closed for construction works, due for completion in 2012. Future access to the dam wall will be reviewed at this time.

Parking at the site is limited and traffic wardens will help manage vehicle traffic during the peak periods after the reopening. Temporary parking locations will be in operation for these times.

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