'I can’t say I’m totally happy with the report': Gryllis

At Orange City Council’s meeting on Tuesday night, councillors considered a report on progress to open the dams to walking, cycling, fishing and kayaking.

While changes to Gosling Creek Dam to allow swimming are in motion, staff reported the other two faced greater challenges, including initial outlays of $5-10 million and higher operational costs if extra water treatment was needed.

Councillor Reg Kidd asked whether removing Suma Park from the proposal could speed up the process.

“Probably 15-20 years ago, we had a real catastrophe when they found a person had excavated a rather large hole and buried sheep in it and I would imagine we would fare better with Spring Creek than Suma Park,” he said.

But acting technical services director Wayne Gailey said both dams were considered part of the inner water catchment and required higher diligence. 

Councillor Chris Gryllis acknowledged the issue was time-consuming and cost money.

“I can’t say I’m totally happy with the report, it was a long time coming,” he said.

“If we have it ready to go, we can always get government funding to finish the job, but if we don’t get to that stage, we will be stuck.”

Kinross Wolaroi School’s rowing team has been allowed to train at Spring Creek Dam since 2004, but approval took five years.