Council will be installing bank stabilisation measures adjacent to Pioneer Park, Wellington after being successful in securing $300,000 through the NSW Government’s Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF).

During 2022 the repeated flooding events resulted in severe erosion along sections of the Bell River, including at Pioneer Park.

An outcome of this project is to help prevent further bank erosion, plant loss and public infrastructure damage to protect the Pioneer Park Sporting Precinct. There will also be significant plantings of endemic riverine plants will improve the biodiversity and aesthetic value of the area.

During these works that are anticipated to take three weeks, is not expected to disrupt the platypus in the Bell River, that tend to inhabited the weir pool above the work site. During the works Council, and our contractor, will be closely monitoring the site to minimise environmental impacts.

The erosion report included investigating the options outlined in CCL23/50 for the reinstatement of the Duke of Wellington Bridge. A motion was carried for a detailed analysis of options and continue to investigate options and a determination is expected in a subsequent report to Council is proposed for September 2023.

Consultation was undertaken with the following stakeholders,

Wellington Redbacks Rugby club and Wellington Warriors Soccer Club

The primary concern highlighted was their ability to access the sporting facility for the upcoming winter season and council addressed this within the delivery timeline.

Environmental groups presented concerns were raised about the bank erosion and these concerns are being addressed by prioritising the re-establishment of the eastern entry/egress point to the oval, and through the further development of the river bank stabilisation plans.