Council to investigate Wee Waa lagoon bridge upgrade

Narrabri Shire Council will investigate the possible extension of the Wee Waa lagoon bridge in an effort to prevent the town from being isolated during major flooding.

Wee Waa residents have braved isolation five times in the space of two months.

Cr John Clements, who residesin Wee Waa, presented several bridges and roads which could be upgraded and extended to remove the isolation caused to residents and businesses.

In addition to investigating the lagoon bridge’s extension, the motion also asks council to investigate an increase in road height at Bohena Creek and to raise the road height, by bridge or culvert, on the Kamilaroi Highway east of Wee Waa at Glencoe.

The motion also requests that investigations include assessment of the reduction in isolation and financial and other impacts on individuals and businesses due to isolation caused by flood waters.

“The isolation is costing Wee Waa businesses,” Cr Clements said at Tuesday afternoon’s council meeting.

“A bridge extension would fix a lot of that.”

In his report to council, Cr Clements said local agricultural business Agies had seen a $296,000 reduction in sales across six weeks.

Extensive periods of isolation have also impacted schooling and medical appointments. Casual workers unable to work have also been affected.

“The SES has been tireless and effective,” Cr Clements said in his report to council.

“Bridges would reduce the load on volunteers and the public purse.”

Cr Clements also included a newspaper article from 1885 that details the challenges experienced with the Lagoon Creek bridge.

“We knew in 1885 that it was too short,” Cr Clements said.

“We should know today.”

The motion asks council to seek funding under the NSW Betterment Fund or similar state or federal programs for the investigations.

Cr Clements also emphasised the importance of establishing a local reference committee involving Wee Waa residents to utilise local knowledge for such a concept.

The establishment of a local reference committee at an appropriate time was the fifth point of Cr Clement’s motion.

The motion was seconded by Cr Brett Dickinson.