With the completion of all works for Stage 1 of the Snowy Rail Bridge repairs, the project is now entering a new era.
The Victorian Government has taken two important actions to secure the future of this important project for the Orbost district:
– The ‘Reservation for Public Purposes (Rail Trail)’ of the land on which the bridge sits, along with the embankments leading to the bridge,
– And the appointment of a local Committee of Management (CoM)
On September 3, the Orbost community group Save the Snowy Rail Bridge Association (STSRB) received word from the State Government that it has been appointed as the Committee of Management for the Bridge and the reserved land.
Speaking on behalf of the STSRB Association, Chairperson Liz Mitchell said, “The Snowy Rail Bridge and the land around it will still be owned by the Government but the management will be local.
“This is the first time since the Bridge was built in 1915, that local people have had the opportunity of playing such an important and responsible role.
“In coming months, we will be encouraging local people to join with us so that we have as wide a range of community interests and skills as possible. As well as maintenance and funding, promotion and marketing will be major priorities.
“As people are aware, Stage 2 of works to complete the restoration and decking for the entire 770 metres remains a priority for the STSRB Association.
“The scheduling of these works will depend on funding being available. We will continue to pursue all opportunities for this funding,” Liz Mitchell said.
