Bulli & Clifton Times

WORK to install pre-cast concrete panels to the eastern wall of the southern rock pool at Austinmer have been postponed for safety reasons.

Night works had been scheduled to start tonight to install panels that would complete major works to the rock pool. However, a more detailed review of the initial risk assessment identified additional issues regarding the way the work site was to be illuminated.

Construction lights called ‘Daymakers’ were to be used but an assessment revealed that the lights could not be placed in such a way that it would not create blind spots and cast shadows on the work site.

Wollongong City Council’s Director of Infrastructure and Works, Mike Hyde, said the risk to Council’s contractors was deemed to be unacceptable.

“The initial risk assessment for the planned night works was always high but manageable, however, a more thorough assessment of lighting placement found the conditions required to ensure optimal safety could not be achieved,” he said.

“The reason night works had been scheduled was to taken advantage of the super low tides (below 0.3m) that start tonight and end early next week.

“This would have allowed the contractor to install three precast concrete panels to complete the eastern wall.

“The contractor has now indicated they hope to complete this work during the next low tide window during daylight hours in mid-October, subject to tide, sea and swell conditions.

“Both rock pools remain open for swimming and the September school holidays will not be affected by the planned works. All going well, we hope the southern rock pool will be completed before the start of summer.”

For more information contact Council’s Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111.