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Lerderderg Weir to get gate upgrade to allow for remote operation from Southern Rural Water to enhance safety and efficiency

Upgrading Lerderderg Weir gates allows remote operation for safety during extreme weather, improving water level management. Works to be completed by October.

By news@gippsland - 26th July 2023 - Back to News

We've awarded the contract to upgrade controls and electrics that will allow us to remotely operate the three gates at Lerderderg Weir. To prepare for this, we've installed an eight-metre pole that enables mobile reception and network connection at this isolated spot. The folding pole itself can be lowered to the ground, so we can maintain solar panels and aerials without the need to work at height.

Remote gate control at Lerderderg Weir mitigates fire and flood risks, enhancing safety for staff, customers, and the community

Remote weir control

Lerderderg Weir directs water from the Lerderderg River to top up Merrimu Reservoir. It allows a minimum of 30 ML down the Lerderderg River and when the inflow is higher, it diverts water through two tunnels to the reservoir.

The Weir's location means it's at risk from fires and steep rocky slopes can make it prone to flash flooding. Its isolated place, at the end of a narrow, winding dirt road in the Lerderderg State Park, makes it a dangerous place to be in extreme weather.

Being able to remotely control the gates will allow us to act quickly and safely to manage the water level in the weir in extreme weather conditions. This is a big win for our staff, customers and the community. Our contractor has been working to prepare the upgraded Weir gate equipment and will go onsite in August to start the installation. Works will be complete in October in time for the summer season.

Pictures from Southern Rural Water website.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com