Jobs, economic boost for Wilcannia Weir roadworks

Media release | 8 December 2021

Local jobs have been created in Wilcannia as the first stage of construction on Union Bend Road starts, paving the way for the town’s much anticipated new weir.

Minister for Water, Property and Housing Melinda Pavey said 10 of the locals employed on the first of this two-stage road upgrade have recently graduated from Wilcannia’s TAFE NSW campus.

“Providing on-the-job practical experience and employment to these graduates, who are teamed with experienced tradespeople, is a great opportunity for the community’s newest workers in construction and hospitality,” Mrs Pavey said.

“While construction of the new weir is gearing up to start next year, we’re getting shovels in the ground now with the support of Central Darling Council to upgrade Union Bend Road from dirt to gravel, so that it can support the trucks and machinery required to build Wilcannnia’s new weir.”

The jobs created are:

• 7 roadworks jobs for graduates who earned a Certificate 1 or 2 in Construction
• 3 catering jobs for graduates who earned a Certificate 2 in Hospitality
• Further jobs include a cultural mentor/supervisor, a cultural heritage officer and council staff/subcontractors

“We want the people of Wilcannia to be involved every step of the way in this landmark project, and we’re thrilled to offer positions to the community’s newest graduates,” Mrs Pavey said.

“We’ve worked closely with the community to provide positive career pathways to graduates, and provide them with essential job support including transport and cultural mentoring. By partnering with the local community and organisations, we’ll continue to boost Wilcannia’s economic development and sustainability.

“When the entire project is complete, the upgraded Union Bend Road will be the main access road to the new weir and its recreational area, offering walking tracks and carparking as well as picnic facilities and opportunities for water sports.”

The Australian and NSW Governments have together invested $30 million towards development and delivery of the new weir and surrounding works, under the Sustainable Rural Water Use and Infrastructure program and the Safe and Secure Water Program.

Union Bend Road will be closed to the public for about two weeks while the first stage of construction is carried out. The second stage of road works, expected to take eight weeks and start in early 2023 after the weir is constructed, will also provide jobs for TAFE graduates and established workers to resurface the road for permanent all-weather access.

For more information and to read about more opportunities for local businesses, visit: https://water.dpie.nsw.gov.au/water-infrastructure-nsw/regional-projects/wilcannia-weir