Momentum - Spring 2022

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

I want to thank the community for their resilience and unity over the last three months, particularly during July’s devastating flood event.

Our crews worked day and night to keep people safe while undertaking emergency road repairs, manning and arming flood gates, assisting in evacuation efforts, and minimising the impacts on the people of Maitland.

The ongoing recovery effort continues, with crews continuing to fix damaged roads and infrastructure while progressing with our plans to deliver almost $30 million in infrastructure spending across Maitland in 2022/23.

We will continue to advocate for improvements across our City, and we’ve recently applied for State and Federal Government grants to improve roads and recreation facilities throughout Maitland. Hopefully, we’ll have more good news to share with you on that front soon.

I’m also looking forward to one of my favourite places in Maitland, Walka Water Works, partially reopening in November, thanks to our partnership with Crown Lands. As always, we will keep you informed on our progress there and across Maitland.

Mayor Philip Penfold

PARTIAL REOPENING OF WALKA IN SIGHT

The first stage of remediation works are now underway that will see fencing erected around problem areas and works to enable us to reopen the car park, toilet block, and walking trails to the community.

Our priority is for a safe, partial reopening of the site to let you return to enjoying Walka Water Works once again.

All things going well, we’re anticipating the partial reopening to begin in November.

Water Works

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Mayor Philip Penfold

YOUR ROADS AND RECREATION SPACES

A near $30 million in record spend on infrastructure in the 2022/23 Capital Works Program means that our crews are busy working on a heap of road and recreation projects.

A LOT OF ROAD IMPROVEMENTS HAPPENING

Jointly funded with the NSW Government, we’re looking forward to starting more than $15 million of work at the intersection of Government Road and Raymond Terrace Road in Thornton.

Once completed, the road widening and traffic lights will make journeys along this stretch safer, smoother and faster.

Design works are progressing for nearly $3 million worth of road works that will better connect the growing suburb of Farley with Rutherford and beyond.

Part of the design will see works upgrading Wollombi Road from Green Street, Telarah to Owl Pen Lane in Farley, plus the construction of a shared pathway along the

same stretch to provide residents with a safe alternative to driving.

Our important road rehabilitation and resurfacing programs are in full swing, with 161 roads across Maitland being fixed this financial year.

See a road, park or something else that needs work or attention?

Use the REPORT IT function on our website to lodge a request now.

FRESH PLACES TO PLAY

With the help of federal funding, we proudly opened a revitalised Bolwarra Lookout play space to the community in September.

Also keep an eye out for another new play space coming to John Wilkinson Sporting Complex in Bolwarra before the end of the year.

Construction continues on the brand new Woodberry Skate Park, which is anticipated to be a drawcard for skaters from all around to get out and enjoy.

With daylight savings now here, we’re looking ahead to next winter with floodlighting upgrades at sportsgrounds in Aberglasslyn, Largs, Morpeth, Telarah and Thornton.

The impacts of wild weather and unprecedented rainfall have been considered, with drainage upgrades coming to Max McMahon Oval in Rutherford and Cooks Square Park in East Maitland.

Telarah Lagoon is now easier than ever to enjoy, with work recently wrapping up that improved connectivity and parking.

Artist impression of Woodberry Skate Park

WHAT IS IT?

CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?

Community engagement is about involving you and other stakeholders in our planning and decision making.

It involves a two way conversation between us and is proven to lead to better project and service delivery outcomes.

Head to the Maitland Your Say webpage to learn more about our community engagement approach and how to have your say on topics that matter to you.

You can also view current, past and upcoming projects by visiting maitlandyoursay.com.au

WHAT WE’RE HEARING FROM YOU

Earlier this year, we asked about how satisfied you were with our services and facilities, and to share your opinion on a range of community issues. We interviewed a representative sample of over 600 residents from all suburbs in Maitland and this is what we heard.

FUTURE ENGAGEMENT

• Economic Development Strategy identifying priorities and actions for Maitland’s economy.

• Communication and Engagement Strategy a plan for how we share information and connect with you.

Sign up to the Your Say newsletter

MORE TREES IN MAITLAND

Roughly 2,200 native seedlings have been planted at five sites in Thornton, Aberglasslyn, Chisholm, Bolwarra and Telarah, with eager volunteers, young and old, rolling up their sleeves and pitching in.

In Thornton’s Somerset Park, 500 healthy seedlings were planted, including Swamp Mahogany trees that will provide habitat and valuable foraging opportunities for migratory birds.

Next year, five sites in East Maitland, Central Maitland, Bolwarra, Gillieston Heights and Aberglasslyn will host Community Planting Events.

Want to stay up to date? Subscribe to our Green Communities Newsletter maitland.nsw.gov.au/greencommunities-newsletter

Community consultation

MAJOR PROJECTS

A NEW LOOK MAITLAND GAOL

A new perspective of the historic site is one step closer, with the development application for alterations to Maitland Gaol’s historic guard towers approved by Council in August.

This will open access to two of the Gaol’s existing towers, enabling pedestrian tours along the gantry walkways and offering a completely new experience.

Original fixtures like the timber spiral staircase will be retained, sealed and lit, so visitors can envisage the Gaol’s original look.

When complete, the new offering –named The Tower Experience – will operate day and night tours.

This project is in addition to more than $11.7 million worth of works that will help realise elements of the Maitland Gaol Development Plan, through over $10 million in shared State and Federal funding.

Plans are in place for a suite of enhancements to the site, including boutique accommodation, a new activity hub, 200 seat theatre space, innovative interpretation and new event infrastructure.

A concept render of the new Tower Experience

To find out more about our plans, visit maitlandgaol.com.au

HIGH STREET CENTREPIECE

The Maitland Administration Centre is progressing quickly, with completion expected before the end of 2022. We’re excited for the big move and how it will improve our service to you by bringing more staff under one roof.

HERITAGE VENUE MADE MODERN

More than 130 years after doors first opened, the Town Hall in Central Maitland is inching closer to a grand reopening.

Significantly improved facilities, like enhanced back of stage facilities and a commercial kitchen, will make your Town Hall a unique destination for entertainment in the region.

MAITLAND REGIONAL SPORTS COMPLEX

Maitland’s historic Town Hall, opened in 1890, is being born again

The Maitland Regional Sports Complex just keeps getting better, with Stage 3 of the redevelopment underway in September.

This stage includes a state of the art electronic scoreboard that can be seen from both the Athletics Centre and Sportground, upgrades to the irrigation and drainage, a brand new amenities block and more storage for sporting equipment.

WHAT’S ON

BITTER & TWISTED BOUTIQUE BEER FESTIVAL – 5 AND 6 NOVEMBER 2022

Bitter & Twisted Boutique Beer Festival returns behind bars to once again celebrate music, food and beer.

Expect over 80 craft beers on show at Maitland Gaol with an eclectic range of music, entertainment and everything you could possibly dream to eat with beer in hand.

Headlining this year is Sydney alternative indie rock band Middle Kids on Saturday and three piece roots group, The Beautiful Girls on Sunday. Tickets are selling fast.

MORPETH BICENTENARY – 19 AND 20 NOVEMBER 2022

The township of Morpeth, originally known by its Aboriginal name ‘Illalaung’ and the traditional land of the Wonnarua people, will commemorate the bicentenary of its founding by Lieutenant Edward Charles Close on 19 and 20 November 2022.

Enjoy a full weekend of activities including street activations, Morpeth Bridge open day, live music, market stalls and more.

There will be a range of tasty food trucks, live music and activities at Queens Wharf Morpeth in the lead up to a fireworks display on Saturday night. morpeth200.com.au