A key section of the Great West Walk at Robin Hood Park has reopened following the completion of restoration works along Toongabbie Creek.
The project has restored community access to part of the 140-kilometre walking route after flooding and erosion damaged the creek bank and forced the section to close.
As part of the $1 million works, the City of Parramatta stabilised the creek bank using rock-filled bags. The method, used by the council for the first time, provided a lower-impact solution suited to the site’s limited space while strengthening the creek bank against future erosion.
An ageing timber pedestrian bridge was also replaced after reaching the end of its serviceable life.
Other improvements included reinstating the section of walking track lost to erosion and planting native vegetation to support biodiversity and improve the long-term health of the creek.
City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Martin Zaiter said the project had restored an important community connection while improving the resilience of the surrounding environment.
“This is about making a much-loved community space safe and accessible while ensuring it remains resilient and sustainable for years to come,” Cr Zaiter said.
“The project has reopened a well-used section of the Great West Walk and will also support the health of Toongabbie Creek for future generations.”
The project was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, with additional funding provided by the City of Parramatta.
NSW Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig said the reopening would allow families, walkers and visitors to once again enjoy the section through Robin Hood Park.
“Flooding and erosion disrupted an important local walking connection,” Mr Hoenig said.
“Reopening the track restores access and reconnects this part of the Great West Walk.”
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the project demonstrated the importance of rebuilding damaged public infrastructure to a more resilient standard.
“Stabilising the creek bank and reopening the walking track means we are not only restoring access today, but also helping protect this natural corridor from future weather events,” Ms Saffin said.
Further information is available through the City of Parramatta website.
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