We’ve awarded the contract to upgrade controls and electrics that will allow us to remotely operate the three gates at Lerderderg Weir.
To prepare for this, we’ve installed an eight-metre pole that enables mobile reception and network connection at this isolated spot.
The folding pole itself can be lowered to the ground, so we can maintain solar panels and aerials without the need to work at height.
Lerderderg Weir directs water from the Lerderderg River to top up Merrimu Reservoir. It allows a minimum of 30 ML down the Lerderderg River and when the inflow is higher, it diverts water through two tunnels to the reservoir.
The Weir’s location means it’s at risk from fires and steep rocky slopes can make it prone to flash flooding. It’s isolated place, at the end of a narrow, winding dirt road in the Lerderderg State Park, make it a dangerous place to be in extreme weather.
Being able to remotely control of the gates will allow us to act quickly and safely to manage the water level in the weir in extreme weather conditions. This is a big win for our staff, customers and the community.
Our contractor has been working to prepare the upgraded Weir gate equipment and will go onsite in August to start the installation. Works will be complete in October in time for the summer season.
