Warrnambool’s historic Wollaston Bridge is currently being restored to its former glory thanks to a grant from the Victorian Government.
The Government contributed $195,000 from the Living Heritage Program towards the restoration of the bridge, with Warrnambool City Council also contributing $100,000.
The bridge was first built in 1890 to facilitate access across the Merri River but is now used as a pedestrian and cycling bridge only.
The grant is being used to replace the iconic bridge’s ageing structural timbers.
Wollaston Bridge is an excellent and rare surviving example of a cable suspension bridge in Victoria and is one the state’s most important 19th century bridges.
The Living Heritage Program, administered by Heritage Victoria, provides $60 million over seven years (2016-2023) to safeguard and reactivate Victoria’s key heritage resources.
The program includes over $18.5 million for a competitive community heritage grants program targeting “at risk” State-listed heritage places. Announcements of successful applicants in round four of the community program is expected from late August 2019. There are three more rounds of the program, with round five expected to open early 2020.
The Program enables eligible owners and managers to undertake necessary conservation works to address the needs of their heritage place or objects. This supports the ongoing and sustainable use of our most significant heritage assets.
Works on the Wollaston Bridge will be complete in November.
Quotes attributable to Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney
“This is one of the most important 19th century bridges in Victoria and we are proud to help fund these repairs.”
“The south west of Victoria is heritage-rich and that’s exactly why our Living Heritage Program has provided number of significant grants in this area.”
Quotes attributable to Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne
“We’re so proud of our Living Heritage Program, providing much needed grants to projects that address risks to historically important places all across Victoria.”