BRIGHT’S metal slide into the Ovens River is expected to re-open on Thursday after being damaged by vandals and removed.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Alpine Council detached the slide’s panels for repairs earlier this month following damage caused by rocks thrown on to it from the water.
The council’s acting manager for asset development, Francine Stacey, said a new stainless skin had been added to the slide’s metal sheeting and it was expected to be bolted back into place on Thursday morning.
The shire was keen to have the slide restored to cater to Australia Day visitors and holidaymakers.
Meanwhile, Mount Beauty’s teardrop slide is not expected to open in the near future after being shut-off because of safety concerns.
Ms Stacey said users had experienced “discomfort” and “friction burns” in sliding.
She said it was suspected the white paint added to the slide may have been a trigger for the problems.
Ms Stacey said it was also believed the angle of the slide may need to be adjusted because users speed up rather than slow down as they descend.
She said the council had earmarked Easter as a desirable date to re-open the slide which was closed off last month.
The slide, which was designed by Yackandandah sculptor Benjamin Gilbert, had complied with all safety standards, Ms Stacey said.
The teardrop entry cage and pipe form of the slide reflects Mount Beauty’s hydro-electricity history.
