Manyweathers Weir 8.07
“Conservation through sustainable use. Making people part of the solution”
“The Voice of NSW Recreational Fishers”
Web site; www.ecofishers.com
The General Manager,
Richmond Valley Council
Locked Bag 10
Casino NSW 2470.
Re; Manyweather’s Weir Community based Heritage Study.
Dear Sir,
ECOfishers applauds Council’s compliance with the relevant legislation, in removing the defunct Norco Weir.
The Manyweather’s Weir now falls into the same category. Occasional on site inspections by recreational fishers, of this now dilapidated and dangerous structure, clearly indicates the Manyweather’s Weir is:-
- Redundant. (Jabour Weir serves the purpose.)
- Obsolete and antiquated.
- Leaking significantly in a number of places.
- An impassable barrier to native migratory fish and crustacean stocks.
- Undermined (and therefore dangerous) at a number of sites along the weir face.
- There is no significant benefit to anyone or anything with the structure in its current dilapidated state.
- A severe blocking mechanism which significantly detracts from the natural habitat and biodiversity, of the Richmond River system.
ECOfishers, therefore is of the view, the structure should be removed. However, should Council decide to retain it, for sentimental or other reasons, we shall prevail upon the relevant authorities and
insist upon, an effective and efficient “Fish Way,” be constructed and managed, in conjunction with the retained Manyweather’s Weir.
As an alternative, we suggest a section of the removed weir (4 to 6m) be resited and reconstructed upon the river bank, adjacent to the current site.
This reconstituted section, would then make an historic “information board,” detailing the history of the old weir, since its inception and establishment, by Mayor Manyweather’s, in 1966.
ECOfishers are in a position to arrange significant financial support for our proposal.
Yours faithfully,
Ken Thurlow
CEO ECOfishers NSW |
