Decks to change

Deteriorating decks to be replaced by Penrith City Council

EMILY FESZCZUK

The deteriorating decks around the popular Jordan Springs Lake will be upgraded by Penrith City Council so the community can continue to enjoy the destination.

At Monday’s Ordinary Meeting, a tender for works by Wardrope & Carroll Pty Ltd for $165,610 was accepted to replace the four decks that were built approximately nine years ago, and that have been heavily used by visitors for fishing, picnics and lake viewing.

“The initial inspection results from January 2019 determined that the decking boards have failed as a result of continuous changes of severe weather, resulting in an increased rate of deterioration because of its existence over a waterway,” a report to Council said.

“This deterioration of deck platforms is now more evident according to the latest inspection in November 2022, the timber battens are rotting, resulting in many loose boards. The western deck has been temporarily closed since March 22, 2023, due to the missing timber boards.”

The timber boards are set to be switched out for new fibre reinforced plastic (FRP) panels.

It was noted that FRP panels are resistant to corrosion and light weight, which are suitable for the decking material situated over a lake and after the lifecycle, the FRP panels can be recycled into road base or reinforced concrete, which makes it a more sustainable option for Council.

The report said that the extent of reinforcement required to the existing metal frames is unknown until the timber boards are removed.

A provisional sum of $20,000 in addition