Page 610 - Week 02 - Thursday, 21 February 1991
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The Government is faced with a difficult decision. Many people have a sentimental attachment to the area, including me, Mr Speaker, because they can remember when Casuarina Sands was the place to go, even as recently as the mid-1970s. In those days Casuarina Sands was one of the most popular swimming spots in the region. However, this has now changed markedly.
Each death in the area has attracted considerable comment and those charged with managing the area have explored every avenue available to improve safety. When this evidence was placed before the Government the initial reaction was that an alternative solution must be available. After a review of the evidence, an inspection of the area by the entire Cabinet and a comprehensive briefing from all those involved in the recommendation, the Government has decided that the weir must be removed. I repeat that I am talking about the upper weir at Casuarina Sands.
The most recent drowning occurred in 1986 when a 13-year-old boy tragically drowned after struggling to escape for more than 90 minutes and despite the efforts of bystanders and rescue authorities. A police diver almost drowned in an unsuccessful rescue bid. In an earlier incident in 1966 two people lost their lives trying to save a third person who also drowned. Again police rescuers were placed in extreme risk.
The coroner investigating the 1986 incident recommended that measures be taken to improve safety at the weir - I am referring, again, to the upper weir - including changes to the weir to reduce the risk of turbulence forming. An engineering analysis was commissioned in 1987 and involved tests conducted on scale models of the weir at the New South Wales Institute of Technology. Based on the evidence of these tests - they were comprehensive tests - construction changes were made to the weir the following year.
The further concerns of the coroner were addressed by the installation of new warning signs, the provision of upgraded adjustable signs advising of river conditions, increased ranger patrols of the area, installation of gates and signs allowing the area to be closed during dangerous flows, and installation of a new boom system and associated signage. These changes have had minimal effect as many users simply ignore warnings.
In 1988, following the completion of the construction changes that were recommended, the police rescue squad conducted an exercise aimed at refining rescue methods at the weir. White water rafting experts from the ACT and from Queensland were present. The report from the police advised:
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