Council updates residents on new Otford weir plans

Built in the 1970s, Otford weir was damaged beyond repair in February's flooding and Wollongong City Council is planning to build a new one. Wondering where this is at? This week Council shared project updates on its dedicated Otford Causeway webpage.

Council's project updates

Our current work involves a number of steps and considerations. Since the causeway was damaged, we have:

• Progressed work on a design to replace the culvert. As part of this work, we have met with NSW Fisheries – as a key stakeholder who will need to approve the project design – to discuss their needs and expectations for a replacement culvert over the waterway.
• Spoken with suppliers about what materials are needed to deliver this project, so that we can fast-track the start of works. We are still facing supply chain challenges on building materials and products.
• Had conversations with the NSW Rural Fire Service and other key agencies to consider the risk to our community due to the road closure. A particular focus of these conversations has been what steps need to be considered if the road is not reopened by summer 2023-2024.
• Started work on a plan to remove the debris of the old causeway from the waterway. This removal work is complicated because the river environment is sensitive, and there are overhead powerlines at the site. A crane would be needed to lift the concrete slabs out of the waterway. We are developing a plan to do this work safely and with minimum disruption to local electrical supply. The first stage of the cleanup started on Friday 10 March 2023 in the road corridor. We are waiting on approvals for work within the watercourse.
• Started looking into creating temporary pedestrian access across the former causeway, so people can move from one side to the other more safely. This safer access for pedestrians will be put in place once the debris removal and tidy up works have been wrapped up.

Read more here