Wet weather and supply issues delay Broken Hill's Line of Lode upgrade
The lease for the future cafe has not been put out to tender yet. (ABC Broken Hill: Bill Ormonde)
It's the most iconic view in Broken Hill, but those wishing to dine up at the Line of Lode will have to wait a little longer.
Key points:
- Line of Lode works were supposed to be finished by June
- Broken Hill's Mayor Tom Kennedy wants upgrades to be completed as soon as possible
- The timeline for completion has been extended until later this year
Originally, the $5.67 million renovations on the cafe and function area were set to be completed by the middle of this year.
However, the completion date for the upgrades has been delayed until the back end of 2022.
'Weather and supply issues behind delay
Works began in February with a finish date set for June. However, they've been pushed back until October.
According to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment, this is due to a number of different factors.
"Wet weather and materials supply issues have extended the completion date for the project,"a spokesperson said.
Once completed, there will be a redesigned and refurbished Broken Earth Complex with new amenities, more storage and improved facilities to support functions and conferences.
A new reticulated water system will provide secure water supplies to the reserve to service its kitchen, water tanks, toilet amenities and grounds.
The upgrade is now slated to be finished in October. (ABC Broken Hill: Bill Ormonde)
'Needs to be open'
Broken Hill's Mayor Tom Kennedy said the iconic spot was an extremely valuable asset not only to tourists but to locals as well, who had used the area as a function and meeting place.
"It's a great view. It's a great place to have a coffee or even a meal,"Mr Kennedy said.
The views from the Line of Lode at dawn. (ABC Broken Hill: Bill Ormonde)
"The sooner that it's opened to the community and tourists alike the better.
"It's something that the government has invested in. It's something that the community have invested in heavily, and council's invested heavily in and it needs to be open."
According to the NSW Department of Planning and Environment spokesperson, the tender process has not begun for the lease of the cafe and function area.
"The lease of the site will be advertised in due course," the spokesperson said.