Barunga West Council staff started some demolition activity on 1 August to facilitate preliminary works. These works involve the planned relocation of an existing SA Water main, the jetty water supply meter, and minor adjustments to the irrigation pipework for a lawned area south of the Civic Square.
As Council awaits the finalisation of the water feature's filtration and pumping system design, enough demolition work has been carried out to enable preliminary construction. Once the water feature design is finalised, additional demolition work will proceed, paving the way for the construction of the innovative water play feature.
In July, Barunga West Council announced that the contract for a water play area, integral to the Civic Square upgrade, had been awarded to civil construction company Hamlyn Wilson. This exciting addition will be located adjacent to Port Broughton's popular foreshore.
“It's thrilling to see works commence on the transformation of Port Broughton’s Civic Square, which will include the first water feature of its kind in the Mid North and Yorke Peninsula,” said Barunga West Council Mayor Leonie Kerley.
The contractor has indicated that the Council may receive the final design for the water feature within the next fortnight. While the Council awaits this revised design, minor contractual issues are being resolved prior to the execution of the Construction Contract. This revised design is projected to deliver cost savings for both the Council and ratepayers.
Due to a delay in finalising design drawings and specifications, adjustments have been made to the construction program. However, the revised schedule now estimates a completion timeframe within 10 weeks, as opposed to the initial projection of 12 to 14 weeks. This revised timeline could see the project completed in time for the peak summer tourist season.
The project's implementation plan hinges on the availability of the water feature components. However, Council expects construction to begin no later than mid-September 2023.
Preliminary Construction Program Schedule:
- Partial Demolition (relocation of existing water mains and meters where required): 1 August 2023
- Additional Demolition (to allow for the installation of the proposed water feature): End August 2023
- Contractor on Site: 18 September 2023
- Excavation (associated with the water feature): 25 September 2023
- Installation of Services (associated with the proposed water feature): 16 October 2023
- Totem Pole footings and electrical conduits for feature lighting: 20 October 2023
- Installation of Water Feature: October/November 2023
- Fitting and fixtures (pumps, filtration): November/December
- Paving: December 2023
- Commissioning: December 2023/January 2024.
Several components for the Civic Square upgrade have already been procured by Council. Among these components is the lighting for the totem poles, which has a lead time of 22 weeks. These lights will be installed upon arrival and after the completion of other works, serving as part of Yorke Peninsula's inaugural Nharangga public art installation.