Blue Mountains News

Today, Lake Pillans Wetlands is enjoyed by many members of the community for walking, cycling, fishing and for picnics. Sitting adjacent to the Blast Furnace industrial heritage ruins, Lake Pillans forms part of the Farmers Creek recreational precinct shared path network that extends from Lake Pillans west for approximately 6 kilometres.

Proposed works include:

• Constructing two asphalt pavement carparks with parking for 20 vehicles including 4 accessible carparking spaces to prevent vehicle access into the reserve.
• Widening existing concrete pathways to pedestrian/cycle path standard where achievable.
• Pathway gradient improvements for accessibility.
• Landscaping works.
• Solar powered lighting. 

There is currently unrestricted vehicle access to Lake Pillans wetlands and no accessible parking. Vehicles are regularly driven into the wetlands reserve causing damage and making it unsafe for other users.

Construction of accessible pathways from the new carpark will improve access for older people and people with disabilities to enjoy the wetlands.

Widening of pathways to pedestrian/cycle path standard will connect the Farmers Creek shared pathway network to Blast Furnace via Lake Pillans.

Smart solar powered lighting will open the wetlands for night visitation. Designed to minimize light pollution and disturbance to wildlife, the lighting will default to autonomous dimming mode throughout the night and will switch to illumination mode only during the approach and departure of a pedestrian.  

Construction of the new carparks and associated works to prevent vehicle entry, make the area safer and more accessible for visitors. The works also aim to reduce anti-social night time behaviour.

Plans are available for viewing at:here

Please forward your written comments by email to Council at here by Friday 15 September 2023.  

For further information contact Matthew Johnson, Manager Community and Culture.