The Peak Hill Community Consultative Committee (PHCCC) has been advocating to further cut several tree stumps at Peak Hill Bogan Weir to make it more tourist-friendly for close to 10 years.
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The issue returned to Parkes Shire Council’s monthly meeting on Tuesday, July 19, after the committee requested council – authorised managers of the land – to submit an application to the Department of Primary Industries Lands on their behalf.
But council has chosen to “fully scope” the project and investigate insurance ramifications before they make any commitment.
PHCCC’s focus is to reduce the height of 12 to 15 tree stumps that are adjacent to the picnic area, a project it says is “simple” and would “yield so much for Peak Hill and tourism”.
The area is also home to threatened aquatic species and represents a significant aquatic habitat in times of drought by providing a refuge for native fish.
However since 2007, DPI Fisheries has objected the proposal out of fear the key fish habitat would disappear.
In previous correspondence to PHCCC, it also said it wouldn’t support the removal of wooden debris from waterways unless there was an immediate public health issue.
The matter generated a small debate among councillors during last week’s meeting.
Cr Louise O’Leary said there was a lot of potential for the area.
“You can still fish there and physically go into the water,” Cr O’Leary said.
“It’s a spectacular spot there, popular for camping...it should be scoped out to see what is achievable.
“It needs to be made a bit more user-friendly.”
Fellow councillors were concerned about the natural dangers the area possessed.
General manager Kent Boyd offered a legal perspective.
“The more we go in and change, the more we become responsible for it,” he said.
Cr Bob Haddin agreed with Mr Boyd.
“We’re missing the point here,” he said.
“Until you can guarantee there’ll be no deaths out there, it’s an insurance nightmare.”
