Parkes Shire Council is pleased to announce that a new project will soon get underway at Lake Endeavour following a successful grant application under the Transport for NSW Maritime's Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grants Program.
Council has secured $133,220 in funding and will co-contribute $52,480 towards the $185,700 project to deepen Lake Endeavour's launch channel.
This important upgrade will make non-motorised boat and watercraft launching safer, easier, and more accessible for all users – from kayaks, paddleboards and non-motorised boats to the Parkes Dragon Boat Club, who train weekly on the lake.
The project builds on the recent major upgrade to Lake Endeavour, which delivered a 90-metre pontoon, wheelchair accessible path, car park and toilets, sandy foreshore and swimming area, and improved connectivity with free Wi-Fi. These improvements helped Lake Endeavour earn the 2024 Keep Australia Beautiful Liveable Town Award (Category C).
Deepening the launch channel will:
- Improve safety for recreational and sporting groups, including dragon boat paddlers and mobility-restricted users.
- Enhance fishing opportunities, with better access for non-motorised craft and potential to host community fishing competitions.
- Attract more visitors and events, further boosting the local economy.
Parkes Shire Mayor Cr Neil Westcott said the project is another exciting step forward for the popular recreation hub.
"Lake Endeavour is the only waterbody in the Parkes Shire open for recreational use. With its natural beauty and recently upgraded facilities, it has become a favourite spot for locals and visitors alike. By improving safety and accessibility for boating, this project will open even more opportunities for our community and bring more people to enjoy everything Lake Endeavour has to offer."
Parkes Dragon Boat Club President Linda Snyman welcomed the news.
"This project is a game changer for our club. Launching and retrieving a 30-metre dragon boat can be difficult and poses a manual handling risk when the water is shallow and the trailer cannot be submerged. A deeper launch channel will make training sessions much safer and more enjoyable for everyone as we'll be able to launch the boat in a safe manner. We're thrilled to see this investment in Lake Endeavour and the benefits it will bring to our members and the wider community."
The project is expected to be completed by May 2026.
The Boating Infrastructure for Communities Grants Program is part of the Transport for NSW Maritime's new $44 million Boating Infrastructure and Dredging Scheme, which aims to improve access and facilities for recreational and commercial boating across the state.
