Powerful Owl takes flight on Arcadia Vale Reservoir

Hunter Water’s newly upgraded Arcadia Vale reservoir has been reimagined as a striking piece of public art, celebrating local wildlife while strengthening connections with the surrounding community.

 

Refurbishment works, completed in late 2025, have extended the operational life of the reservoir and will ensure it continues provide safe, high-quality drinking water to homes and businesses for decades to come.

The mural marks the completion of Hunter Water’s renewal works at the Arcadia Vale reservoir, delivered as part of a wider program to strengthen water security and ensure reliable services for the region’s growing population.

Created by local muralist Jordan Lucky from Playstate, the artwork features a powerful owl, a species native to the area and listed as vulnerable in NSW, drawing attention to the region’s unique environment and the importance of protecting local ecosystems.

Hunter Water Executive Manager Infrastructure Delivery, Justin Watts, said the project demonstrated how essential infrastructure can play a meaningful role in enriching local neighbourhoods.

“The Arcadia Vale upgrades were about more than maintaining essential infrastructure, they were about creating something the community can be proud of.

“Combining vital water upgrades with a vibrant mural, we’re able to bring local stories to life, celebrate the natural environment, and foster community pride, while continuing to deliver safe and reliable water services,” Mr Watts said.

For Jordan Lucky, the fact the mural was proposed by the local community made the project even more meaningful.

“I felt incredibly lucky to design something for a community so deeply connected to its environment. The concept draws on my own wildlife photography, with the trees and moon inspired by imagery captured right here in Arcadia Vale,” Mr Lucky said.

Mr Watts said the mural also reflects Hunter Water’s commitment to creative placemaking.

“This project demonstrates our ongoing commitment to blending functionality with creativity,” he said.

“It’s rewarding to see infrastructure not only serving the community but also enhancing the character of the area and making a positive difference to people’s everyday surroundings.”

The Arcadia Vale project forms part of Hunter Water’s broader approach to integrating art and community engagement into essential infrastructure, creating lasting value for customers and the local environment.

Learn more about our recent reservoir upgrades here: https://www.hunterwater.com.au/news/full-tanks-for-summer-but-every-drop-counts-hunter-water-completes-major-reservoir-upgrades