Work resumes on wheel

Work resumes on wheel

Work is proceeding on rebuilding the Southern Star Observation Wheel following a setback in late November which disrupted its progress.

The incident, in which the wheel tore loose from its restraints on November 28, resulted in Worksafe placing a “non-disturbance notice” over the site.  Now that the wheel has been restrained and secured, and the site has been inspected, Worksafe has lifted the notice and work is again underway.

Southern Star management reports that a revised “work method statement” is currently being prepared to rotate the wheel to enable winching and the erection of the remaining rim sections. Southern Star expects this work to start soon.  Once the rim is completed, the 21 cabins will be reattached.

The company says it cannot estimate a completion date because the intricate work required cannot be performed in adverse weather conditions.

“This and various other challenges make it difficult to declare an opening date at this stage,” a company spokesperson said.

The replacement and re-build of the wheel is being undertaken under warranty by Sanoyas Hishino Meisho Corporation.

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