Thread: Jetty timber for farm dam

Turpentine is the traditional timber used for piles (Wharf posts)... it has a greater then usual degree of resistance to marine borers. That may or may not be a benefit in fresh water. It's also used "bark on" below the waterline which increases its decay resistance, though that practice is regarded as questionable.

Anything thats treated to H6 will last just about forever. H6 is H5 treatment then a surface paint with a creosote oil. H5 is a double dip in H3 solution. For a farm jetty you might get away with standard H3 treated pine and a paint with a creosote... but this all depends on whether you want to go with treated timber or untreated.

Firstly, I second John's comments. If you want to go untreated you don't have as many local options that are durability class one in Melbourne as we have up north. Having said that, you shouldn't have too much trouble getting red ironbark or gum top box which are both very strong and very durable.

Regards, Timboz

Don't think he has to worry about marine borers in a farm dam . Not sure about using creosote also in a dam either, especially if it is going to be used for drinking water. Having said that, Turps is the best timber, but Batu and Red Ironbark are also used.

Originally Posted by dai sensei

Don't think he has to worry about marine borers in a farm dam . Not sure about using creosote also in a dam either, especially if it is going to be used for drinking water. Having said that, Turps is the best timber, but Batu and Red Ironbark are also used.

I'm sure there'd be something that would eat the timber... though it's probably more likely to decay faster on or just above the waterline rather then under it. Depends on the size of the farm dam a bit too. Maybe a bit of bitumen, or bitumenous paint might make a good preservative option. Tarring hulls used to be SOP, once upon a time.

I had a think on this and here's what I'd do...

Locally we have guy named Steve, otherwise known as "the minister for beer and poles" . Hes the dude who drives the pendulum borer for the electricity company and is quite happy to trade beer for 2nd hand poles... hence his unofficial title. Usually when removed from service poles are quite sound once you get away from ground level. They are treated... but any excess treatment is long weathered away... and poles are just about always class 1 hardwood anyway.

Know anyone who works on a line repair crew?

Why not float it? Much easier in the long run.

Originally Posted by Arch Stanton

I haven't got permits yet so I have a bit of time.

Permits? On your own farm property?

Originally Posted by John.G

I had a think on this and here's what I'd do...

Locally we have guy named Steve, otherwise known as "the minister for beer and poles" . Hes the dude who drives the pendulum borer for the electricity company and is quite happy to trade beer for 2nd hand poles... hence his unofficial title. Usually when removed from service poles are quite sound once you get away from ground level. They are treated... but any excess treatment is long weathered away... and poles are just about always class 1 hardwood anyway.

Know anyone who works on a line repair crew?

This is something I did think of. There is a depot in town. It may be well worth the effort to case the place and work out which bloke to approach. I'm sure every place would have a Steve.

Originally Posted by cava

Permits? On your own farm property?

Where I live they want permits for everything. I have 5 acres. I rang the shire once and asked what is the smallest shed I could put up without a permit. They said it doesn't matter how small the shed is you need a planning permit.

People complain about the council but I've always found them to be nice people and helpful. Mind you, when I first moved into the house they sent me a letter and said I had 7 days to put a number out the front and if I didn't the fine would be $1,000 which I thought was a little bit over the top.

I also live on small acreage and my council also 'wants, desires, demands, requests' a fee for everything. But they don't get it!

I sought legal advice, and the nub of it is that I can tell them to go jump with anything I do to my property. Perhaps you should get in touch with your local community legal service. I suggest Community Law Resource Group (www.clrg.info) that has regular free meetings (small donation for tea/coffee, biscuits) - it is a real eye opener!

To cut a long story short, I put a dam in, without drama or reprecussions.

Originally Posted by cava

I also live on small acreage and my council also 'wants, desires, demands, requests' a fee for everything. But they don't get it!

I sought legal advice, and the nub of it is that I can tell them to go jump with anything I do to my property. Perhaps you should get in touch with your local community legal service. I suggest Community Law Resource Group (www.clrg.info) that has regular free meetings (small donation for tea/coffee, biscuits) - it is a real eye opener!

To cut a long story short, I put a dam in, without drama or reprecussions.

When I first started looking at putting in the dam I couldn't get a straight answer about weather I needed a permit or not. After that I got a local dam builder to come and check out the job. He said he wouldn't touch it if I didn't have a permit. Said he put 1 in once without a permit. The nieghbour put him in and 2 weeks later he had to fill the dam in.

I think it is time for you to consider looking into getting another Dam Builder.

In Queensland, if a proposed dam is on a watercourse or affects a watercourse it needs a permit/licence from DERM. A few other conditions apply. I'd be surprised if in was any different in other states.

Hi there.

Every bridge and pylon in this area is river red gum. I don't know the specific stats, but most seem to have a life of well over 60 years in the mud. I've milled some pylons that were 70 years old and they were as solid as the day they were driven. The local wharf at Echuca has just been overhauled at well over 100 years old, so the old fellas must have known something. No chemical treatment in their day I'd reckon. The local red ironbark is also poplar for this type of use. Might just have a stash of logs in the paddock that would suit your needs if you're interested or could mill you some sticks. PM me if so.

Cheers

James