Funding announced for Billabong Parklands at Campbelltown

A recreational “billabong” is set to transform Campbelltown and become a landmark facility for the region.

The proposed billabong at Bradbury is set to become a reality with funding announced this morning.

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A recreational “billabong” is set to transform Campbelltown and become a landmark facility for the region.

Funding was announced this morning for the $18.75 million state-of-the-art water recreation space, set on a 4ha site on the corner of Oxley St and The Parkway, at Bradbury.

Commonwealth Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge and

NSW Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres announced that the Billabong Parklands was successful for $15 million funding under the Western Parkland City Liveability Program.

Campbelltown Council will fund the remaining $3.75 million.

Plans for the billabong include a range of recreational water play facilities, including a stream, swimming lagoon and a zero-depth play area.

The water parklands is set to make Campbelltown a recreation and tourist destination.

“This is a groundbreaking project that will launch the city’s transformation into a significant metropolitan destination,” Mayor George Brticevic said.

“The concept design of the billabong has been inspired by our unique natural environment including the rock pools, waterfalls and rapids of the Dharawal National Park that will be set in our city centre for everyone to enjoy.

“With the size of the Western Parkland City population set to grow to 1.5 million by 2036, there will be a greater requirement for quality amenities capable of catering to those people.

“It will create a new water attraction in western Sydney and reduce the effects of urban heat as well as bring job opportunities and increased trade to nearby businesses.”

The concept design includes a series of rock pools along a meandering waterway that leads to a large 1700sq m lagoon that will be up to 1.5m deep.

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Young children would be able to play in a zero-depth water play area with a range of interactive elements, as streams flow around boulders and other natural obstacles.

Stories of local Aboriginal and European history will be featured throughout the facility.

Council will consider concepts and consult with the community to finalise the design of the billabong before it goes out to tender next year.

It is expected the project will be ready to open in 2021.