Options Study for Bangalow Weir

Bangalow Weir will undergo an Options Study following a Condition Assessment Report submitted to Council yesterday.

The assessment report noted that 12 significant defects including cracks in the concrete wall, were present in the Bangalow Weir.

Council’s executive manager of community infrastructure, Phil Holloway, said the report noted that the failure of the weir structure occurred as it was not anchored onto a solid rock foundation; it was not reinforced, poor quality concrete, unusual shape and the age of the structure.

“Staff will now develop a brief to request a quote to assess engineering, environmental, social and heritage issues to allow part of the weir wall to be removed to make it safe, whilst retaining parts of the wall to allow for heritage monuments.

“Whether the Bangalow Weir could be rebuilt as a safe swimming hole was still unknown at this stage and the Options Study will tell us more,” Mr Holloway noted.

Prior to any works being undertaken, said Mr Holloway, Council would consult with the Bangalow community, Rous Water and the DPI - Fisheries to discuss plans to restore the weir, pool and upstream reaches of the creek to a natural environment and or other options.

“It is estimated that to remove part of the wall, or the entire weir wall, would cost approximately $60,000 and to rebuild to a swimming pool standard with environmental assessments and Fisheries requirements, would cost in excess of $1 million,” he said.

In the meantime, the weir will remain fenced off and Council will inspect it on a weekly basis for any signs of further deterioration.

Mr Holloway urged all residents and visitors not to go past the fence at the weir site.  “Whilst it may be tempting to go and have a closer look at the weir damage, please stay behind the fence.”

Any plans to reconstruct the weir would require works to occur in low water flow period, outside of the platypus breeding season, minimal removal of riverbank vegetation and installation of sediment control.