Community members, councillors, and business are set to come together for the upcoming Dalgety Chamber of Commerce (DCC) meeting on May 7, 2025, where plans for the restoration and improvement of the Snowy River weir and recreational area will be a focal point of discussion. This initiative aims to enhance safety and scenic beauty, fostering greater tourism and recreation in the area.
PHOTO: Councillors, Dalgety residents, and stakeholders came together to discuss Dalgety’s potential CREDIT: DCC
Earlier in April, the Snowy Monaro Regional Council Mayor Chris Hanna, alongside various councillors, visited Dalgety to engage with local residents and members of the DCC. The discussions centred around revitalisation efforts for the weir area, spearheaded by Dalgety local and kayaking enthusiast, Rob Gant-Thompson. “I’ve grown up in the area and been a long-time kayaker and recreational paddler… and I enjoy getting out on all the rivers here locally,” Gant-Thompson shared. His proposal focuses on modifying the weir’s structure to facilitate safe water sports activities and support the natural environment.
The project has garnered the support of Lloyd May, the Dalgety Caravan Park leaseholder and DCC treasurer, who maintains local crown land. Reflecting on past safety concerns regarding a man’s death three years ago, Mr May remarked, “We need to make it safer… nothing was ever done, no exercises, it was treated as a bit of a one-off. With potential grant funding, the concept could really transform the river banks and encourage families by making it safer.”
Mr Gant-Thompson envisions transforming the weir into a viable recreational venue. “What I’m proposing… is to modify the shape to improve the main channel slope site near the fish traps and rocks,” he explained.
PHOTO: Rob Gant-Thompson CREDIT: Rob Gant-Thompson
“This will create a usable recreational facility for anyone that wants to use the different water levels, from very low water, like it is in summer time, through to higher water flushes that happen when water releases down.”
“There’ll be obviously different types of people and skill level that will use them at those different heights, in summertime, there could be boards and high loads floating down, and then at higher water flows, there could be river surfers, kayakers.”
The proposal not only seeks to enhance safety and accommodate diverse water sports, but to ensure ecological balance by preventing weed overgrowth as a result of a deeper channel which also supports better swimming.
Councillor Tricia Hopkins expressed her support, seeing potential despite expected challenges. “I can’t speak for council, and there’s probably lots of hurdles to jump through… but I personally think it’s a great idea,” Ms Hopkins stated, acknowledging Dalgety’s unique swimming spot on the Snowy River as a compelling draw card for visitors.
PHOTO: Councillor Tricia Hopkins.
“As everybody’s pointed out, it’s the only place where you can really get in and swim in the Snowy River, and I think that’s a great reason for people to visit the village,” Councillor Hopkins expressed.
The plan is part of a broader suite of initiatives by the DCC to put Dalgety on the map as a hub for river based activities, promoting both regional tourism and local engagement. They encourage input from the community and stakeholders at the forthcoming meeting, set to include council representation and possibly Dean Lynch from Snowy Hydro.
PHOTO: The part of the Dalgety weir highlighted by the DCC for proposed improvement – Show Day 2025.
In a statement, the DCC shared their enthusiasm: “We just think our little village of Dalgety has it all…and now we want to improve it a bit more and share with everyone.”
As the DCC anticipates fruitful discussions from 6pm, May 7 at the Dalgety Showground Pavillion, the local community can look forward to a future where Dalgety’s natural beauty and recreational offerings are utilised to their full potential.