The State Government is helping revive and restore some of East Gippsland’s most treasured heritage landmarks after they were damaged by natural disasters through a new grants program.
Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh announced last week that two local heritage sites would be included among the recipients of the first round of Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants for sites damaged by floods, storms and bushfires.
DEECA will receive $230,000 for works on the Stony Creek Rail Bridge at Nowa Nowa, covering vital repairs, a condition assessment, disaster planning, and other works for the bridge, which was impacted by bushfires and floods, and is at risk.
The bridge is a popular attraction for tourists, and was constructed by Victorian Railways in 1916, spanning 270 metres.
“On behalf of the Nowa Nowa community, I would like to thank the State Government for their support with regards to the Stony Creek Bridge,” Nowa Nowa Community Development Group president, Bernie Rossi, said.
“These types of initiatives are so important to small towns like ours and can be the difference between a thriving town and one that simply disappears.”
The Omeo Historical Society is also receiving $50,000 so they can document the Volunteer Defence Tambo Trenches, which were impacted by the 2019-20 bushfires.
These funds will allow the Historical Society to guide the long-term management and protection of the site, which was originally built by volunteer defence corps in World War II, in anticipation of an air attack and invasion.
“This work will preserve and strengthen the two sites – not just as part of East Gippsland’s history, but also as tourist attractions for years to come,” Mr McIntosh said.
The Disaster Recovery Heritage Grants program was launched last year to help repair heritage sites impacted by extreme weather events, particularly to help small community organisations that needed more support after their insurance and damages were assessed following the October 2022 floods.
Victoria’s heritage sites contribute approximately $2.4 billion each year towards the state’s tourism industry and support around 185,000 jobs.
