The Campbelltown Billabong Parklands will no doubt become a local icon, but first it has to be built and opened to the public.
And, unfortunately, it has suffered yet another delay.
It was officially due to open this month, but instead, Campbelltown Council says it could be available for a few short weeks at the end of summer in 2024.
Construction on the main pool structure of the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands is nearing completion and work has now started on the landscaping and building features.
Campbelltown Council says the project’s construction timeline has been “updated’’ following the appointment of Landscape Solutions as main landscape and building contractor, with completion expected in the third quarter of the 2023/2024 financial year (January, February, March) – subject to weather.
Several challenges, including the current pressures and material shortages being experienced across the construction industry, resulted in a complex negotiation phase to appoint a main works contractor, which was extended beyond the initial planned timeframe.
“We understand the community is eager to see construction on the Campbelltown Billabong Parklands complete, however our key focus has to be on ensuring the project is delivered on budget and to a high standard,” Mayor George Greiss said.
“We’re delighted to have Landscape Solutions on board and construction is now proceeding at a rapid pace on the landscaping and building works,” he said.
“The Billabong represents a fantastic long term investment in a recreation space that will be a meeting place for locals and a destination for the region.
“I look forward to a grand opening shortly after construction is complete to welcome the community for the first time.”
Construction is also continuing on the $4 million public parks that will mark the entrances to the Parklands.
The recently completed pool structure (pictured top) includes more than 300,000 individually laid Sukabumi stone tiles, which bring out a range of vibrant green tones in the water to reflect the natural water features of the Dharawal National Park, on which the design of the Billabong Parklands is based.
The South West Voice was shown around the site of the billabong yesterday and it is becoming obvious that when it is finally opened this facility will be something else.
It will be the only one of its kind in NSW, with the only other similar facility being the Orion Lagoon in Ipswich, south west of Brisbane, pictured below.
