A local contractor has built a $5.1 million replacement weir in Western Australia, protecting the Bandy Creek Boat Harbour at Esperance from future flood events.
Western Australian company, Italia Stone Group, constructed the weir over nine months which involved moving 10,000 tonnes of earth and rock works and pouring 400 tonnes of concrete.
An improved structural design, positioned 50 metres upstream will increase the weir’s capacity to handle flood events.
The project employed 78 workers, supported Aboriginal employment and provided opportunities for 25 local Esperance businesses.
The new weir also accommodates tidal flushing and fish movement, with no impact on the water level or quality of the Ramsar protected wetlands upstream.
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A decision was made to fund the project following 2017 flood waters which caused significant damage and erosion of the weir’s foundation and a collapse at the southern end.
The project was funded by insurance, disaster recovery funding arrangements, the Department of Transport and the Water Corporation.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said with the support of the local community the Department of Transport has delivered a well-designed weir that will reduce sediment deposition in the boat harbour, guaranteeing the continued operation of the facility for the local fishing fleet and others.
Agricultural Region Minister Darren West said he is delighted with the outcome of this project, this will now allow pedestrians, emergency and service vehicles access across the waterway.
“The safeguarding of the harbour operations is important for the local community and the benefits will be felt for many years to come,” he said.