BELL RIVER STABILISATION PROJECT COMMENCES
Works will start this week on the stabilisation of the southern bank of the Bell River, adjacent to Pioneer Park in Wellington, that was severely eroded as a result of repeated flood events in 2022.
Stabilisation works will involve rock armouring of the southern bank to prevent further erosion and to protect the Pioneer Park sporting precinct.
Works will start from the bottom of the existing weir and extend approximately 60 metres along the riverbank. Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) has engaged Soil Conservation Services to undertake the works.
“The contractor will be establishing the work site from this week with fencing installed along the northern boundary of the fields and around the worksite to protect public safety,” DRC Recreation and Open Spaces Manager Ian McAlister said.
“Following the completion of the stabilisation project approximately 500 endemic plants comprising of trees, shrubs and grasses will be planted to assist with improving the biodiversity in the area and support the stabilisation works being undertaken.”
“Access and usage of Pioneer Park for sporting groups will not be impacted whilst works are underway. Minor disruption to walkers will result along the old internal road as this is required as part of the secure work site. Walkers are requested to avoid the area.
“The works are not expected to disrupt the population of Platypus in the Bell River that tend to inhabit the weir pool above the work site however, monitoring will be undertaken during the course of the works,” Mr McAlister said.
The Bell River Stabilisation Project will cost $300,000 and is funded through the NSW Government Disaster Risk Reduction Fund.
The Pioneer Park restoration project is being undertaken in stages. The internal road renewal was completed in early 2023 and following the Bell River bank stabilisation project the next step will be the renewal of the internal path system. This will involve reconstructing the pathway on a similar alignment but using concrete to make it more flood resilient. This work is likely to start in early 2024. The final stage will involve the renewal of the irrigation system for Pioneer Park and the restoration of the western carpark. These works are scheduled to commence after the winter sporting season.
Council has also applied for funding under the Australia Government Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the reinstatement of the Duke of Wellington Bridge. Council will provide further updates on the progress of the application when available.
Stabilisation works along the Bell River at Pioneer Park are expected to take approximately four weeks weather permitting. For more information on the project visit yoursay.dubbo.nsw.gov.au.
Last Edited: 24 Nov 2023