The Andrews Labor Government is restoring one of Warrnambool’s much loved heritage assets, Wollaston Bridge.
Labor Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP, today announced a $195,000 grant from the Labor Government’s Living Heritage Program, which gives communities like Warrnambool the resources we need to protect our treasured heritage.
Constructed in 1890, Wollaston Bridge is one of Warrnambool’s most iconic landmarks. The Living Heritage Grant will replace structural timbers which are failing, and ensure that this key community access point across the Merri River can continue to be used.
Our heritage is our history – it enriches our experiences, reflects the community’s sense of cultural identity, sense of place and creates a great sense of pride.
The $38.5 million Living Heritage Grants Program is the biggest boost to heritage assets in Victorian history, funding the repair and restoration of iconic venues all over the state.
This includes the highly intact nineteenth century Omeo Justice Precinct, the World War 1 searchlight emplacement at Point Lonsdale Lighthouse and Christ Church in St Kilda – one of the oldest buildings in Melbourne south of the Yarra River.
Applications for the next round of the Contested Grants stream of the Living Heritage Program will open early 2019.
Quotes attributable to Gayle Tierney MP, Member for Western Victoria
“I am really pleased that the Living Heritage Grant will upgrade the Wollaston Bridge. It’s great to see an historic structure like the Bridge continuing to be used almost 130 years later.”
“As well as being a magnificent structure in its own right, the Wollaston Bridge is an excellent vantage point for pedestrians to see native birds, fish and even platypuses in their natural environment”.
“These repairs and upgrades will ensure this iconic landmark will remain part of our identity for many decades to come.”