Lake Sambell Precinct Revitalisation (completed 2023)

Phase 4 of this project was recently completed, which involved the installation of an array of plaques and wayfinding signage. 

The new signage aims to not only provide directional information for trail users but also to improve orientation and interpretation of natural and cultural features of the reserve and enhance the user experience for anyone keen to explore the Lake Sambell Precinct.

Seven new bench seats have been installed at various vantage points around the lake to complete the track upgrade works and native tube stock has been planted as part of the revegetation program.

The planned new precinct signage, which we're coordinating with Tourism North East, will include QR coding which will give access to detailed historical and environmental information relevant to the area.

The target completion date for the signage installation has been extended to March 2023.

We're thrilled to announce that the Lake Sambell walking track is once again open, with the boardwalk and track upgrades now complete.

The is track is open the full length from the caravan park to the dam wall at McConville Avenue.

Some revegetation will be carried out in September and new bench seating will be installed along the track as soon as they are available.

The upgrade of the walking track is now very near completion, with only a short gap in the new boardwalk still to be finished.

Unfortunately completion has been delayed as we wait on the delivery of additional materials but it is expected that the full length of the track will be open within the next week.

Despite the wet weather, we’re making good progress on the construction of the new boardwalks and an additional bridge.

The path from Jarvis Road to McConville Ave remains closed. Please observe the track closed signs as it is still a construction zone.

 

We're pleased to announce that one section of the Lake Sambell walking track, from the Jarvis Road car park to the caravan park, has re-opened.

The track from Jarvis Road to the weir remains closed as construction of the boardwalks around the clay banks area continues.

Please observe the signs and remain out of this area as it is a construction zone. 

The works are on track to be completed in June. 

The Lake Sambell precinct revitalisation project continues to progress well with a number of bridges now installed and new timber stairs under construction.

Footings are in place and preparations underway for the construction of approximately 140m of boardwalk around the clay banks section of the walking track.
 
Works are on target to complete the upgrade of the walking track in June.

The walking track between the McConville Avenue entry near the weir wall and the Lake Sambell Caravan Park remains closed.

Works to replace the boardwalks around the clay banks commenced in late March and are progressing well. Sections of old boardwalk have now been removed and in coming weeks a number of large declining pines will be removed. 

Access to the lakeside walking track remains limited while these works are underway and residents and visitors using the track are asked to not enter the construction area. Currently the entire track between the McConville Avenue entry near the weir wall and the Lake Sambell Caravan Park is closed. 

Scheduled works are still tracking towards a June 2022 completion.

We're aiming to begin construction of the new boardwalks on Monday 28 March.
 
The works, which include improvements to the existing walk tracks, will continue through until June and during this period, sections of the walking track on the south side of the lake will be closed.
 
The first closure on Monday will be for the section between the caravan park and Jarvis Road and the car park in Jarvis Road will also be closed so that it can be used for the delivery and storage of construction materials and equipment.

We've engaged Nature Tourism Services to review the signage strategy provided in the Lake Sambell Masterplan and provide a place making strategy. Through this, digital and physical signage will tell the story and enhance both local and visitors experience and understanding of the precinct as well as assist with orientation.

The new signage suite will include major road entrance signage as well as node entry signage and interpretation markers which will link via QR code to digital information.

Additionally, the contract for the construction works for the walking track works on the southern side of the lake are being finalised with a local contractor.

This work will include improvements to the natural track surface with resheeting, landscaping and installation of park furniture, replacement of ageing bridges with fibreglass reinforced plastic structures and installation of additional raised boardwalks in wet areas to allow for revegetation and stormwater flow under the structures.

These structures will be similar to the fibreglass reinforced plastic structures which were installed in wet areas in late 2020.  There will also be a number of sets of steps replaced to provide consistent tread and riser height and width which will improve the walking experience.

Some pines will be removed to facilitate the construction of the new boardwalks, for safety reasons and to assist with providing a wider and smoother surface for walking.

This is in line with the recommendations of the Lake Sambell Masterplan, which was the subject of community consultation.

Revegetation with native plants will also be undertaken as part of the project to enhance stability and improve water quality entering the lake.