Work is well underway on the restoration of the Blackman River Bridge at Tunbridge with the design for the historic bridge to be presented to the relevant planning authorities shortly.
The Bridge, which was damaged by fire on Christmas Eve 2019, is a State asset that straddles the boundary of the Southern Midland and Northern Midlands municipalities.
Built by convicts in 1848, the Bridge is believed to be the oldest surviving wooden-decked bridge in Australia and is part of the tourist Convict Trail. The Department of State Growth is undertaking a conservation management plan as part of the restoration project.
The bridge design is under development and when completed it will be presented for planning approvals to both Councils.
I know there is a great deal of interest in this bridge, both from a historical and a functional perspective and I join those local community members who are keen for it to be rebuilt and re-opened.
With important heritage assets such as the Blackman River Bridge, planning and approvals can take some time but I am pleased to announce that the project is expected to be complete within 12 months, Council approvals permitting.