Page 612 - Week 02 - Thursday, 21 February 1991
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Mrs Grassby and others have proposed that a railing be erected on the top of the weir. This was, in fact, provided when the weir was first built and lasted only until the first flood, when flotsam tore the railing away, leaving jagged pipes protruding from the crest of the weir. Any structure at water level will meet a similar fate and will itself present a potential safety hazard to swimmers. None of the alternatives proposed remove the danger to life that the weir represents.
We must be concerned with the lives of those who are charged with the responsibility of rescue as well, of course, as the lives of those who swim there. Where a risk to public safety such as this is known to exist, it is the responsibility of the Government to act to remove it. To do otherwise will result in only more tragedies.
Visitor levels at Casuarina Sands have declined markedly over the 28 years since the weir was first built. The area now attracts less than one-tenth of the visitors that were present even as recently as the late 1970s. Patterns of use have changed and, even within this reduced figure, more people swim at the pool formed at the downstream weir at Casuarina Sands, the safe weir, than the number using the upstream pool. Recent usage of the Casuarina Sands recreation area, even at peak periods in the last swimming season, indicates that at peak times the largest recorded use of that area is 30 vehicles and their occupants at any one time.
Removal of the weir will not affect the majority of visitors to Casuarina Sands. The picnic facilities will remain, and swimming will still be possible in the river in the deep holes that are present above the weir we are talking about removing and at the lower weir. Obviously bushwalking and paddling will not be affected.
In time removal of the weir will enhance sand deposition, with a gradual reforming of the attractive sandy beaches that were present before the weir was built. We will then have an attractive beach and paddling area upstream, suitable for family use, while deeper swimming will still be available downstream at the lower weir. It is important to remember that only the upstream weir is being removed, Mr Speaker. The smaller weir downstream will remain, thus retaining what has become the most popular swimming hole and swimming area at Casuarina Sands.
Over the last two decades considerable effort and expense has gone into developing alternative recreation areas. Since 1986 over $3.2m has been spent in improving recreation areas along the Murrumbidgee River, at Pine Island, Kambah Pool, the Cotter Reserve, Uriarra Crossing, Tharwa sandwash and Point Hut Crossing. Works have included improved access and car parking, the provision of more barbecues, picnic facilities, toilet blocks and play equipment. Use of all these areas is free.
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