Safety at the Tathra Wharf has been a topic of discussion for many years – with several “independent reviews” conducted and risk management policies enacted since the tragedy that claimed three lives in November 2008.
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However, it now appears one of those risk management strategies, implemented after a council resolution less than two years ago, is already being relaxed.
Admittedly it was one of the more questionable and least effective strategies implemented by the council based on recommendations by independent consultant InConsult.
After a resolution in December 2014, the council took on a policy of automatically closing both Tathra and Merimbula Wharves if there was any indication of hazardous weather and surf conditions from the Bureau of Meteorology.
This is done contrary to common sense that any offshore weather conditions and ocean swell would affect the wharves differently given they face different directions.
It is also done regardless of on-the-ground evidence as to local conditions. (No disrespect to the BOM, but weather forecasts aren’t known for being always accurate)
And anecdotally, it was rarely enforced once the barriers were put up.
Now, apparently due to “concern inside and outside the organisation” around the automatic closures, council will move to simply “advise” people not to use the wharf in dangerous conditions and tell them to check the BOM website for weather details, erecting a sign to that effect.
We’re all for people using their own common sense when it comes to personal safety.
But the council also has a responsibility to its residents when it comes to use of public, council-managed infrastructure.
Without wanting to get into another tit-for-tat over the benefits or otherwise of fencing the wharf’s edge, the recommendations implemented by the council have consistently been measures to deal with an incident should one occur – angel rings, emergency phone, emergency lighting, extraction ladders, etc.
Now one measure that had some element of inherent prevention is being “relaxed”. And another review into how council manages risk associated with its marine infrastructure is being undertaken.
One wonders what recommendations will arise from this latest review – and which, if any, will be implemented.
Ben Smyth
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
I have worked as a journalist since 2005 and am now Editor of Australian Community Media mastheads in Bega, Merimbula and Eden
