THE leaning arch of Kiama is to be stabilised, Kiama Council agreeing to spend an estimated $220,000 on the project.
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Concerns regarding the tilting Memorial Arch in Hindmarsh Park were raised by the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch in 2012.
The arch was officially unveiled on Anzac Day, 1925 by NSW Premier Sir George Fuller.
The lean has been monitored by the council during the past 15 years.
Council’s director of engineering and works Bryan Whittaker said although the arch was leaning two degrees to the north, the 200-tonne structure was ‘‘sound and intact’’.
According to council’s report, the stabilisation and reconstruction of the arch will require the installation of deep piles due to the uncompacted variable material that the arch is built on.
‘‘These piles are some 11 to 12 metres deep to meet hard rock and represent a large component of the cost of the work.
‘‘Suggestions that the work could be carried out by local trades are considered unlikely due to the technical and specialised nature of the work.’’
Council investigations have identified the arch was built on uncontrolled fill approximately 11 metres deep in an area that used to be Kiama’s tip.
The council had requested $100,000 from the federal government for the project and was given $16,500. The state government was asked for $77,200 but has given $30,000. Council has re-voted $45,000 of 2013/14 expenditure.
The shortfall of about $130,000 will come from the council’s general funds, with the work scheduled to start after Anzac Day 2015.
The RSL is also proposing to have the Centenary of Anzac logo painted on the Kiama lighthouse.
The council is currently preparing a heritage assessment on the lighthouse for the NSW Crown Lands Division before the proposal can be placed on public exhibition.
Kiama councillor Dennis Seage, also the secretary of the Kiama-Jamberoo RSL Sub-Branch said it was ‘‘absolutely disgraceful’’ that the lighthouse process had dragged on for almost 15 months, despite public support for it.
‘‘The Lands Department have insisted we not only commit funds from the RSL, but require us to go to public exhibition after that commitment,’’ he said. ‘‘In relation to the arch stabilisation, we at Kiama Council and the RSL are extremely grateful to the state government as well as the federal government for their generous contribution to ensure the arch will remain in its current glory.’’