Lake Parramatta to get $650,000 under Liberal promise

It’s Parramatta’s version of the beach but casual summer frolics have been marred by drownings. Now an election pledge for a lifeguard station aims to address safety concerns.

Election promises keep flowing for the key battleground of Parramatta including at Lake Parramatta, where the Liberals have pledged to spend $650,00 for a lifeguard station and to improve the bushland setting around the picturesque but potentially dangerous waterway.

Lake Parramatta’s growing popularity as a natural recreation drawcard has seen it attract more than 270,000 visitors since it reopened for public swimming in 2015.

Lifeguards patrol the area during set hours and swimming is not recommended beyond the designated area but tragedy is no stranger to the North Parramatta landmark.

There were several drownings in the 1960s but in recent years a 49-year-old man drowned in February 2019 after a suspected medical episode and in December 30 that year, rising rugby league star Daniel Cama, 16, died.

Police divers retrieved the 16-year-old’s body from the lake, which is several metres deep outside the allocated swimming zone.

Nora Darwish cools off with her children Zarah, 6, and Jacob, 7, at Lake Parramatta. Picture: Damian Shaw

Three Surf Life Saving Australia volunteers were on duty when the drowning occurred at the lake, which is manned by volunteer lifesavers each day in summer school holidays and on weekends through summer.

Under the funding pledge, those lifesavers will now have a station as a base for them to undertake their duties.

Parramatta Liberal candidate Maria Kovacic said Lake Parramatta would be safer to enjoy.

“The funding will help create a more enjoyable and safe experience for the local community by improving the informal spaces around the swimming area, enhancing the natural bushland setting and providing a designated lifeguard station,’’ she said.

“Hundreds of thousands of residents across western Sydney have taken advantage of Lake Parramatta, but the upgrades will ensure it’s safer and more enjoyable for all.

“Being in Western Sydney means we don’t have the ocean at our doorstep, so Lake Parramatta is a great place for many in our community to cool down and have fun.’’

The 73-hectare site is also popular with bushwalking and includes a trail that loops around the lake.

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