Recent damage to the Sons of the Soil Hotel (SOTS) has sharpened focus on the building’s state of disrepair.
Coonamble Shire erected barriers preventing pedestrian access to the front of the hotel last week after a vehicle allegedly hit a verandah post on the southern end, causing structural damage which has made the entire area unsafe.
Mesh barriers were quickly placed around the full perimeter of the building’s Castlereagh Street frontage.
Council confirmed that a structural engineer will be brought in to assess the damage and provide advice on repairs.
“It does make it more urgent for repair to be underway and just to look after the building, even if we can somehow get grants to secure it properly and paint it on the outside,” said Maree Crawford, who was involved in a 2024 community campaign to preserve the venue.
“Clearly, the verandah’s damaged, and that would be a safety hazard.
“I know that the council are doing their absolute best with their other projects, and they’re still sorting out what needs to be done.
“I realize that the SOTS is not a priority, particularly when the roads have to really come first.”
The Sons of the Soil verandah had been included in the main street awning inspections by a structural engineer in 2024, organised by Coonamble Shire Council.
The engineer’s report said that the front balcony has multiple floor beams and roof rafters that have failed, while the verandah timber has degraded due to exposure to the elements.
It also said that vehicle impacts had displaced some columns from their footings.
At that time, then General Manager Paul Gallagher told the Coonamble Times that the hotel awning was not among those needing timely repair.
Council re-opens walking route
Council received multiple complaints about pedestrian safety concerns caused by the lack of access and the initial lack of signage.
Students at St Brigid’s Catholic School were initially forced to cross the main street at its northern end when walking from Tooloon Street.
Council has since re-opened a lane next to the Museum Under the Bridge, which provides access to the Sir Edward Hallstrom Bridge from the Skilman’s Lane carpark behind the Sons of the Soil Hotel (SOTS)
Deputy Mayor Steve Butler said they will also have a temporary crossing painted at the northern end of the street.
‘Footpath Closed’ signs have now been attached to the fencing, although there were none directing foot traffic to alternative routes.
Cr Butler said staff did consider creating temporary access along the front of the SOTS.
However, he said that would have required removing part of the garden beds to provide a minimum 900 millimetres of clearance.
“I fully understand the frustration, people can’t access with their gophers and wheelchairs, but it’s not a simple fix,” Cr Butler said.
“We’re waiting on people to come to town to paint the pedestrian crossing.”