Turrella Reserve draft precinct plan

The draft Turrella Reserve precinct plan is designed to improve visitor experience and access at Turrella Reserve, Wolli Creek Regional Park (Earlwood).

Turrella Reserve precinct, Wolli Creek Regional ParkWolli Creek Regional Park is a precious pocket of natural bushland and part of a rich cultural landscape that forms an essential part of the story of the Cook River and surrounds. A story that encompasses Aboriginal culture and place; a story that encompasses the ideas of a journey and trade, social and ceremonial values. European use of the river network and local area play a key role in the social and economic story of Sydney.

The open space, walking links and natural bushland areas in the park are treasured by the local community. The draft Turrella Reserve precinct plan aims to improve visitor facilities, whilst maintaining the existing character and function of the precinct. The upgrade will help improve access for people with less mobility, strengthen and promote the natural and cultural heritage of the area. The park is highly valued as an outdoor classroom by local schools and environmental education groups. Works will support this function.

Turrella Reserve is a day use area that offers large lawn spaces for picnics and informal play, a barbeque, picnic table, benches, playground area, access to Wolli Creek, the Two Valley Trail, and is close to Turrella train station. We are planning to improve accessibility and visitor facilities within the reserve. The proposed upgrades include:

  • improving visitor facilities and construct new covered picnic shelters and barbeque
  • constructing a new public toilet building
  • installing pathways to connect picnic shelters and toilets for wheelchair/less mobile visitors
  • improving accessibility across the reserve and formal connections to the Two Valley Trail
  • upgrading the playground
  • facilitating more public parking along Banks Road.

Works will be staged to limit the impact on visitors and as funding permits works. Works will be carried out by qualified contractors. Some areas will be closed during construction.

Notification of work and closure dates will be posted on the department's website.

Lawn area and pedestrian paths will remain open or temporary detours may be established if required. Nearby areas such as Girrahween Reserve or Waterworth Park will remain open.

Upgrade work and improvements to the park are covered in the plan of management, so no amendments to the plan are required.

An environmental assessment will be undertaken to identify any likely impacts on the natural, cultural and historic values of the park. The assessment will include mitigation measures required to lessen these impacts.

During the community consultation phase of this project a total of 47 submissions were made. We thank you for taking the time to provide your valuable comments on this project and we have made some changes to the precinct plan. These changes include:

  • adjusting the footpath design to be more sympathetic of the environment and accommodating of foot traffic
  • additional shade trees along footpaths
  • installation of educational signage
  • installation of static adult exercise facilities
  • additional water fountains with dog bowls.

Please see the file below to view the updated concept design.