They might be at loggerheads over the future of Maitland Gaol, but Maitland City Council and the NSW Government are working together to resolve issues at Walka Water Works.
Local officials recently met with state representatives on site to examine the iconic chimney’s stability and safety as well as discuss the next steps in the remediation process.
The gathering resulted in an agreement to extend the exclusion zone currently in place to mitigate the impact of a potential “funnel failure” while additional funding is being sought.
From Monday 23 March, a 45m radius from the chimney and extra fencing will be installed to clearly delineate the out-of-bounds area.
“The wellbeing and safety of our community is the highest priority,” council’s general manager Jeff Smith said.
“By working with the NSW Government, it has been identified that out of an abundance of caution, urgent action needs to be taken to extend the exclusion zone around the chimney stack, to mitigate any risk associated with it failing.”
Council has committed $100,000 to validate previous designs and develop a tender package for release once the works are fully-funded.
Further monetary opportunities are being explored to deliver works to stabilise the historically-important structure in addition to addressing the asbestos contamination at the site.
“User-groups have been contacted,” Mr Smith said.
“And, alternative access will be provided via the closed entry off Scobies Lane with signage to be installed on site for the relevant groups.”
For more news stories:
- $35m Hillsborough Road upgrade moves ahead
- Panel eyes next stage for Stockton Beach mass sand nourishment project
- Council begins planning for new Summerhill landfill cell
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