When a flooding event in January 2011 damaged the already old and deteriorating concrete structure of Quambatook Weir, a refurbishment project was initiated that would go on to win the Innovative Practice/Service Delivery category at the
IPWEA Victoria 2014 Awards for Excellence. The weir flood control mechanism was transformed from a deteriorating concrete structure with manually operated gauge boards, to a state-of-the-art, air-operated water control gates system, eliminating manual handling issues with its operation.
The project was a collaboration between Gannawarra Shire Council, North Central Catchment Management Authority (NCCMA) and the local community, with funding secured by the NCCMA from the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements for the repair and mechanisation of the weir. The project was put out to tender by the Council and APCR McDonald. Constructions P/L was selected as the successful contractor with a concept proposal from subcontractor AWMA for the gate mechanism design.
Key objectives of the project were to minimise on-going maintenance, minimise or eliminate OH&S issues, provide a facility that met expectations of community amenity, recreational use and environmental features, and to be cost effective.
The water level in the weir and the volume of water flowing through it can now be controlled by means of an air-operated water control gate regulated via a control panel located on the bank of the weir. An appropriate full water level and open weir height were established through community involvement and a detailed report prepared by the NCCMA. The full (gate closed) level was revised to give the maximum amount of water retained in the weir for the purpose of community amenity, improved environmental outcomes and recreational use. The ability for the weir structure to pass flood flows in the Avoca River (gate open) was reviewed and a new open gate level set.
"The refurbished weir is an important asset to the community, allowing the passage of unimpeded flow in the Avoca River, retaining the maximum weir pool volume for community amenity and recreational use," said Gannawarra Shire Council Mayor Neville Goulding.
The total cost of the project was $218,000 – made up of $150,000 sourced through the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Fund, with the rest contributed by the NCCMA. The original estimated cost of the replacement was $265,000, but due to the innovative design of the replacement infrastructure, the final cost came in well under budget.
Read more about this project on the 2014 IPWEA Vic Awards for Excellence
webpage.