Security posted at Austi pool

WOLLONGONG City Council is negotiating with a local contractor to complete some minor works on Austinmer rock pools which should allow the partially completed pools to be open to the public for the summer period.
Following a risk assessment of the current works Council is hoping to make safe the partially completed works on the western and sea walls of both pools. Council has employed a security officer on site to advise people of the safety risk while the pools still contain uncompleted works.
According to Mike Hyde, Director Infrastructure and Works, there will be two low tide periods prior to Christmas which might enable a contractor to undertake these minor risk reduction works on the sea walls subject to the prevailing seas and swell.
If these works are able to be completed prior to Christmas, there will be a reduced risk to the public over the summer.
Meanwhile Council staff are completing a report to go to Council on December 15. The report will enable Council to negotiate with alternative experienced contractors to complete the original works. The completion of the works requires a contractor with specialised skills in this challenging area as well as specific equipment.
While the pool works are partially complete Council asks that people refrain from using the pools in the interest of safety. All residents and visitors can use Coledale rock pool or the Thirroul pool.
For more information you can contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (02) 4227 7111.