Safety upgrades at Yarrawonga Weir - Temporary road closure

Published on 11 May 2020

Goulburn-Murray Water (GMW) is undertaking important safety works at the Yarrawonga Weir. New stairways and landings will replace a ladder system, providing safe access to operating platforms above the spillway structures.

GMW Manager Dam Operations Tony Beamish said the upgrades would make the structure safer for staff. He said similar upgrades had been completed at Tullaroop Reservoir, Lake William Hovell and Lake Nillahcootie.

“Upgrade works will ensure safe and easier access for operations and maintenance staff to perform their work,” Mr Beamish said.

GMW General Manager Water Storage Services Martina Cusack said the safety of staff was a priority for the organisation.

“We have recognised some of our structures are aging and these upgrades will bring them up-to-date with current safety standards,” Ms Cusack said.

“Stairways and railing will allow staff safe access and the ability to carry tools whilst climbing up to the platform.”

There are two spillway structures at Yarrawonga, known as the northern and southern structures. Both contain gate hoisting machinery at the top operating platforms, which staff need to access periodically. Access stairways will be built for both structures.

Weir Road in Yarrawonga will be closed to traffic from 8 June for a four week period to undertake these upgrade works. Pedestrian access will be maintained during this time.

The upgrades will be undertaken by GMW on behalf of the Murray-Darling Basin Authority.