Wanangkura won’t open for weeks
Wanangkura Stadium will remain shut for at least another month as a review into the history of the $34.1 million project gets underway.
It was revealed at last the August 8 council meeting that Town of Port Hedland staff were aware of insufficient water flow and pressure at the stadium “earlier in the year”.
On July 18, eleven days prior to the official opening, council officers recognised the water issues could impact the stadium’s fire management systems.
By July 26, the decision was made to implement a range of temporary operational and risk management measures to ensure the opening, which included a basketball game attended by 600 people, could go ahead.
During last week’s meeting, council resolved to install a permanent water tank near the south-west corner of the Wanangkura site and relocate the fire booster. The estimated cost is $470,000.
In a report to council, Town acting director of engineering services Jenella Voitkevich said the installation of the tanks could be completed within a four week period.
“This will allow the fire brigade to connect directly to the tank, which is acceptable by FESA in the short term, and permit the facility to be reopened,” she said. “The installation of pumps and connection to fire booster may taken an additional four weeks.”
Council’s resolution also flagged an independent review of the project history, compliance, processes and responsibilities. A future report will be presented to council once all the information has been obtained.
