NSW: Cauldron return to Homebush delayed

AAP General News (Australia)
08-03-2001
NSW: Cauldron return to Homebush delayed

SYDNEY, Aug 3 AAP - The return by sea of the Sydney Olympics cauldron to the site of
its fiery debut almost one year ago has been delayed by transport problems.

After a long break and an overhaul, the cauldron was due to return by barge today from
a factory at Kurnell, in Sydney's south, to Olympic Park, at Homebush.

However, the Sydney Olympic Park Authority said the return had been delayed by a day.

Overnight, workers had encountered problems in the final stages of the work on the
cauldron, the authority said.

It was due to be placed on a low loader for the short transfer from the factory to
a nearby wharf.

However, loads the width of the cauldron were not permitted on the road after 5am (AEST),
a spokesman for NSW Treasurer Michael Egan said.

"Because the workers could not guarantee that the 10-metre-wide load would be off the
road by 5am (AEST), the transport plans have had to be put back 24 hours," the authority
in a statement.

The seven-tonne structure was removed from Homebush Bay after its three-week role supporting
the Olympic flame last year.

It was taken to Kurnell for refurbishment in preparation for its re-ignition on the
anniversary of the Games on September 15.

New burners and pipe work have been fitted to the stainless steel structure.

Its return journey to Homebush is expected to take seven hours.

After it's lit, the flame will burn for three weeks to mark the duration of the Games.

The cauldron will only then be re-lit for special occasions.

The cauldron was due to leave Kurnell at 7am (AEST) today.

AAP mk/las

KEYWORD: OLY CAULDRON DAYLEAD

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