Campbelltown Billabong Parklands: Opening delayed to 2024 due to construction issues
Campbelltown’s highly anticipated Billabong Parklands – a water lagoon near the heart of the city – will not be open in time for the start of summer.
Macarthur
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Campbelltown’s highly anticipated Billabong Parklands – a water lagoon near the heart of the city – will not be open in time for the start of summer.
The project, originally earmarked for completion in 2022, has been plagued by a budget blowout and lengthy delays.
While construction on the main pool is nearing completion and work has begun on the landscaping and building features, the facility won’t be ready this month as planned.
The project’s construction timeline has been pushed back following the appointment of Landscape Solutions as main landscape and building contractor. It is now expected the destination facility will be open by March, pending on weather.
Campbelltown Council, in a statement, referenced a number of challenges in delivering the project, including pressures and material shortages in the construction industry.
“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.
“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.”
The news comes just weeks after Campbelltown Council released findings of an independent report which revealed the cost of the Billabong Parklands development had blown out by $16m, from $18.75m to $31m, with the completion of the project delayed by 15 months.
Campbelltown MP Greg Warren, speaking in July, said it was concerning the budget had blown out by so much.
“I acknowledge our community’s deep concerns when you’re talking about the level of delay in a project up into the millions of dollars,” he said. “It needs to be taken seriously. The project has been a disaster to say at best.”
The recently completed pool structure 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.
When complete, it is set to include a range of water play facilities, parklands and amenities across a 4ha site, including a stream, swimming lagoon and a zero-depth play area.
The recreational facility is being built at Apex Park, beside Bradbury Oval, and the landscape features of the design are based on the Dharawal National Park and Georges River.
An opening event to welcome the community into the spectacular water attraction is being planned for the weeks following construction completion.
Construction is also continuing on the $4m public parks that will mark the entrances to the Parklands.
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