Following years of discussion, and amid some controversy, the weir on the Macintyre River was constructed in 1916. It was planned to not only beautify the town, but to avoid stagnant pools of water and lessen riverbank erosion.
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Two prominent Inverell businessmen, Mr Walter Wilson and Mr. A.M. Cansdell, were in favour of the building of a weir and collected funds toward the project.
Constructed by Inverell Municipal Council staff under the supervision of the Town Engineer, men worked day and night on the weir. They had almost finished the structure when rain came providing an immediate enhancement to the river and park.
The construction was not without its difficulties. Extra cement had to be used in the foundations and before completion unexpected flooding caused erosion to a retaining wall. A sluice gate was included to control water flow following heavy or prolonged rainfall.
An area adjacent to the weir was fenced and became the Children’s Park. Several trees were planted by school children whilst willows were planted along the riverbank as part of the town beautification.
The 700 pound ($1400) cost of the weir was partly funded by contributions from local residents, the council and the state government. It was opened by the NSW Governor, Sir Gerald Strickland, during his visit to Inverell in September 1916.
The Inverell Swimming Club was formed in January 1917 and their first carnival was held at the weir the following month. Crowds of people lined the riverbank to watch participants swim against the current. At night a carnival was held in the park with musical entertainment, children’s sports and fireworks.
The weir became a popular swimming place and as a consequence debate developed over whether mixed bathing should be permitted at Inverell.
After lengthy discussion at a council meeting in 1918, Aldermen voted four to three, in favour of mixed bathing. A temporary dressing shed was provided until 1919 when council agreed to construct new sheds after the swimming club offered to contribute funds towards the cost. Over the years, residents learnt to swim and competed in carnivals at the weir until the Memorial Pool opened in 1958.
At night a carnival was held in the park with musical entertainment, children’s sports and fireworks.