Dredging of two of Coonabarabran’s main water sources has recently been completed, informs the Warrumbungle Shire Council, NSW.
“The ‘Poundyard Weir’ in Namoi Street and Timor Dam, Coonabarabran were both dredged by a contractor throughout June,” said Warrumbungle Shire Council Mayor, Councillor Denis Todd . “These sites are main water sources for the township of Coonabarabran and these works will improve water supplies for many years to come.”
Dredging works at Timor Dam started on 15 June 2020, with contracted divers assisting along the dam wall to determine the amount of debris to be removed.
The dredging removed a large amount of timber and debris from the top over wall and from around the base and outlet pipe of the dam.
“Removing timber and debris will give divers a clearer view of the dam wall, allowing them to inspect the structural integrity of the dam,” Cr Todd explained.
According to Cr Todd, the Council began the process of seeking approval from NSW Fisheries to dredge the weir before large rainfall events in February 2020, however it was important to be cautious with any remaining water at that time.
“Dredging the weir in drought could have dirtied the water so that it could not be used, further reducing the amount of available water. It is great to see the Poundyard Weir and Timor Dam cleaned up and full again,” concluded Cr Todd.