"I Fear Politics May Have Played a Part": Councilor Penfold

BY JESSICA ROUSE

The decision by Maitland City Council to vote against investigating two proposals is being questioned by Independent Councillor Philip Penfold.

Councillor Penfold put forward two motions, one being to look into re-fitting the front section of the Walka Water Works pumphouse building to make way for a cafe and toilets and the other idea to investigate a multi level car park in Maitland's CBD.

Deputy Mayor Sally Halliday as well as the other Independent councillors voted for the motions, but Mayor Loretta Baker and others voted no.

"I was disappointed to see that they weren't supported by the mayor and a slim majority of council. I think they're very important to the people of Maitland, they want to have the ability to sit and relax and to eat at the beautiful Walka Water Works. They want to opportunity park conveniently near The Levee that we've just spent $10 million on," said Councillor Penfold.

Proposed site for Maitland car park Image Councillor Philip Penfold Facebook.

He says he didn't agree with the reasons they gave against the motions.

"To be honest I fear politics may have played a part,"

"There was some suggestion that if a cafe is not going to make a motser then it shouldn't be built."

"People didn't like to, for some reason have multi story considered. There seemed to be a strong view that purely single story is what should be considered for Maitland's CBD. I find that odd, Maitland is growing at a very rapid rate. Maitland and the CBD is proving very popular," said Councillor Penfold.

Councillor Penfold says the motions have a lot of support from the local community which he has seen online and head from in-person.

A petition for more parking in the CBD received 529 signatures from the community who agreed there was a lack of parking for business owners, staff and customers.

"It's not rocket science to see that in the future multi story car parking will be requires, people want convenience and the site I spoke of was less than a block away from the Levee," said Councillor Penfold.

Maitland Independent Mayoral candidate wants to breathe new life into Walka Water Works

BY JESSICA ROUSE

Maitland Independent Mayoral Candidate Philip Penfold is planning to breathe new life into Walka Water Works should he be elected on September 9.

He wants to see council put together a DA and approach the state government for funding to refit the cafe and re-open the small museum which once operated on the site.

"Walka Water Works is a fantastic asset to the city of Maitland, though unfortunately the pump house has been let go for far too long. So my proposal is for council to prepare plans, costings and a DA to have a project shovel ready to convert part of it into a cafe."

Philip Penfold says the site is already heavily used by the people of Maitland - there's a park run every Saturday and it's teeming with families on the weekend so having the appropriate amenities in place would only be of benefit.

"I think families will greatly enjoy a cafe or restaurant out there on Walka Water Works for the people of Maitland."

Walka Water Works Image David Threlfo Twitter
@David_Threlfo

$96,000 in heritage funding for Maitland

BY JARROD MELMETH

Three of Maitland's historical landmarks are set for $96,000 in upgrades courtesy of the NSW Heritage Grants Program.

The program aims to assist with the delivery of engaging projects that support community groups, to promote, protect and celebrate heritage in NSW.

Walka Water Works has received $40,000 for the implementation of the stage two interpretation plan which will focus on improved access to the site and interpretive experiences for visitors. 

Glebe Cemetery and the Maitland Jewish Cemetery will also share in the cash which will be used for conservation works and improved access at the three sites. 

Image mymaitland.com.au