Save the Snowy Rail Bridge members have shown Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh around the works currently taking place on the bridge.
Current works are partially redecking the top of the bridge, as well as stabilising the structure.
Save the Snowy Rail Bridge Association president, Liz Mitchell, said it was great to welcome Mr McIntosh to tour the site.
“We were so pleased to host a visit from Tom in July to view the works being undertaken as stage one of the restoration of the Snowy Rail Bridge,” Ms Mitchell said.
“This is a vital project in strengthening the local visitor economy as Orbost creates a new future after the cessation of native timber harvesting at the start of this year. It’s important to our local community to know that ‘Spring Street’ hasn’t forgotten us.”
“Tom’s interest in both the technical details of the restoration, and the progress of creating new economic opportunity for the area was very apparent during his visit.”
Tom McIntosh mentioned the visit during a Member’s Statement in Parliament this week, thanking the volunteers who met with him on site, and highlighting the State Government’s investment.
“The Snowy Rail Bridge is being restored after a decade of community advocacy, with the State government investing $3.5 million in the project,” Mr McIntosh said.
“This will be an incredible boost to local tourism, protecting the heritage of the bridge while providing cyclists with a quality track.”
Ms Mitchell said it was excellent to see the bridge be given new life, with the restoration project in stage one.
“It was heartening to have this visit from one of our local members, and to hear Tom’s whole-hearted support for further funding for stage two of the project which will enable the full length of the Bridge to be redecked,” she said.
