Lord Mayor of Parramatta, Cr Scott Lloyd, said that following the completion of an appropriate safety assessment, Lake Parramatta could be open for public swimming and water recreation activities by mid-summer.
“The Lake Parramatta Reserve is a significant natural area within western Sydney and I am pleased that Council has voted to move forward with this proposal,” Cr Lloyd said.
“Our first step is to undertake a formal risk assessment of the site. Council would then identify the safety measures that are needed to ensure a safe and clean environment for swimmers.
“These measures would include creating safe entry and exit points, specifying a designated area for swimming, safety signage around the Lake, having lifeguards present at peak times and maintaining a regular water quality monitoring program.
“We would monitor usage by the community to determine if any further measures need to be undertaken or modified to ensure safe swimming.
Currently swimming is only permitted in Lake Parramatta as part of an organised event which requires pre-approval from Council.
“Swimming and other recreation activities would re-activate Lake Parramatta as a must-visit destination and will open up the beautiful surrounding natural environment for people to explore and enjoy.
Council’s vision to grow parks and green spaces that surround the CBD and bring back swimming to the Parramatta River is set out in its community strategic plan, Parramatta 2038.
Council is currently the host of the Parramatta River Catchment Group, which launched the Our Living River initiative this month.
The Our Living River website, which encourages the community to vote for their favourite swimming spot, shows Lake Parramatta as the most popular swimming location along the Parramatta River catchment.
For more information on recreation at Lake Parramatta visit www.parracity.nsw.gov.au.
