Thursday, 20 July 2006
MEDIA RELEASE
Heritage Victoria Rejects Bridge Demolition
The Executive Director, Heritage, has rejected an application from VicRoads to demolish the bridge at Barwon Heads.
Executive Director, Ray Tonkin, said VicRoads was notified of the decision this morning.
The statement of significance adopted by the Heritage Council I n 1999 states that:
The Barwon Heads Bridge is an exceptionally long timber beam road bridge of 34 spans built over the Barwon River estuary at Barwon Heads in 1927. Despite recent modifications... the bridge retains much of its historical integrity...A major consideration for choosing the site for this bridge was its proposed tourist function and the desire to provide scenic views of the ocean and broad Barwon estuary. Set amongst attractive sand dune vegetation at its eastern end; it provides an impressive and aesthetically appealing profile when viewed from the river banks and is an historic gateway to the town
In considering the application, the Executive Director has decided that the total demolition of the bridge would be detrimental to the cultural heritage of Victoria. This is the fundamental consideration under the provisions of the Heritage Act.
Additional reasons for the refusal of a permit include:
*The costs of repairs and maintenance to the present bridge appear to be able to be achieved for significantly less than proposed in the VicRoads application.
*Similar structures in maritime and river environments have been successfully restored in recent years.
*It is not demonstrated that the refusal of the application would detrimentally affect the ability of Vic Roads to carry out its statutory duty. That is "to maintain safe and cost effective access across Barwon River for all road users and recreational users in the long term". Given that there are two route options that are yet to be reviewed by the Planning Advisory Committee, an option to retain the bridge and construct a new bridge upstream could still be determined.
VicRoads has 60 days to appeal the decision.
For further information: Executive Director, Ray Tonkin on tel: 96379345 or mobile 0408313721.
You can find all the information at www.heritage.vic.gov.au
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Tuesday 8 August 2006
Media Release
Council supports retention and upgrade of Barwon Heads Bridge
City of Greater Geelong Council will present a second submission to the committee appointed by Planning Minister Hulls to decide on the Barwon Heads Bridge.
Council voted last night to make a second, more detailed, submission to the Barwon Heads Bridge Advisory Committee.
Mayor Cr Peter McMullin said Council's second submission would provide comment on technical reports prepared by the consultants engaged by VicRoads.
"Council's second submission gives a greater level of detail, and includes an analysis of some of the technical studies plus additional information about the historic and cultural context of the Barwon Heads Bridge," Cr McMullin said.
The Mayor said the submission advocates the retention of the existing bridge and its ongoing use as the road link between Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove.
"Council supports the retention of the bridge in recognition of its cultural and historical significance," he said.
"Council's submission also advises the committee that the City could not accept management responsibility for the existing bridge if it ceased to be a part of the arterial road network," Cr McMullin said.
A maintenance report provided to the committee indicates that maintenance costs would amount to $18.7 million over a 20 year period.
"Costs of this magnitude are beyond the funding capacity of the City," said Cr McMullin.
The Mayor said Council had also reserved the right to make further submissions on
the Barwon Heads Bridge once VicRoads supplied additional information as directed by the Advisory Committee.
The City's second submission to the Barwon Heads Bridge Advisory Committee notes the Barwon Heads Bridge has aesthetic, historic and social significance.
The submission recommends the bridge remains the primary transport link between Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove and is restored to its full load capacity.
Beangala Ward Councillor Jan Farrell congratulated local residents on their strong campaign to save the bridge.
"There was a real sense of excitement when the Planning and Transport Ministers gave their commitment to retain the bridge in response to VicRoads' application to Heritage Victoria to demolish the structure," Cr Farrell said.
"This was very much a community led campaign, and notwithstanding differing views on replacement options, residents were united in their desire to save the existing bridge.
"I would like to acknowledge the outstanding advocacy of Bernard Napthine and Michael Harbour along with the many members of the community who rallied to the cause," Cr Farrell said.
Media Inquiries:
Darryn Chiller,
Senior Media Officer,
Ph 5227 0811,
Mob 0417 302 068
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Thursday 27 July 2006
HISTORIC BARWON HEADS BRIDGE HERE TO STAY
The heritage-listed, much loved Barwon Heads Bridge has been saved from demolition, with the Bracks Government today announcing the bridge is here to Stay.
"This evocative old bridge is one of the Bellarine Peninsula's most loved and photographed landmarks," Mr Hulls said. "Today's decision will make sure it Stays."
Opened on Christmas Eve in 1927, the structure was heritage-listed as the longest timber road bridge in Victoria -but it is perhaps better known for its starring role in the popular ABC television drama series Seachange.
"In its television role, Bob Jelly had the bridge condemned and closed, " Mr Hulls said. "But we were determined that life would not imitate art in this case.
"Not even Bob Jelly would have Stood a chance against local Members Elaine Carbines, Lisa Neville and Michael Crutchfield, who lobbied hard in defence of the bridge and on behalf of an overwhelming number of local residents."
This decision reflected the mood of the local community, whose submissions overwhelmingly argued that demolition would destroy something of great value to Victorians.
Heritage Victoria have also pointed out that the cost of upgrading the bridge appeared to be less than previously been anticipated.
The Minister for Transport, Mr Peter Batchelor, said the Government had decided to save the existing bridge from demolition after input from Heritage Victoria and the local community.
He said the Advisory Committee to Planning Minister Rob Hulls would now consider three options:
1. To retain and upgrade the historic bridge.
2. To retain the old bridge and build a new bridge beside it.
3. To retain the old bridge and build a new bridge further upstream.
"Whatever course of action the Advisory Committee recommend, the one certain outcome is the Barwon Heads Bridge will remain one of the most recognisable landmarks of the Geelong region," Mr Batchelor said.
"This decision demonstrates that not only do people of the Bellarine have a strong voice, but the Bracks Government is listening," said Member for Geelong Province, Elaine Carbines.
"The number of local submissions to the Advisory Committee and Heritage Victoria has been astounding," said Member for Bellarine, Lisa Neville. "It is great for everyone who took the time to make sure they were heard be rewarded for their effort."
Member for South Barwon, Michael Crutchfield said the Government's announcement was "a win for good old fashioned community spirit".
MEDIA CONTACT: Claire Miller 0409 509 677 or Louise Perry 0414 456 015 www.vic.2ov.au
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