Landscape and visual amenity have been central to community feedback, especially for those living near or visiting the Lake Lyell area.
In 2023, the initial concept design placed the upper reservoir on a ridgeline facing the town of Lithgow. After hearing concerns about how this could affect scenic views and the character of the surrounding mountains, the design was significantly revised. The upper reservoir is now positioned in a more enclosed valley, reducing visibility from key viewpoints.
People have consistently told us they want infrastructure that respects the landscape, considers how it looks during and after construction, and preserves the visual appeal of the area. These values have been reflected in both design decisions and in how we plan to manage the site during construction.
The project team is taking steps to minimise visual impacts by:
- Selecting natural earth tones for structures and materials to help blend with the surrounding environment.
- Designing screening vegetation around key locations to soften views and restore native character over time.
- Planning for progressive rehabilitation of disturbed areas so that construction footprints are minimised and the landscape is restored as work finishes.
- Continuing visual assessments and photomontages to show how the project will appear from nearby homes, roads, and recreation areas.
We understand that the visual character of Lake Lyell contributes strongly to the identity and enjoyment of the area. Protecting this sense of place remains a key design objective.