150 years marked with completion of Tharwa Bridge work

ACT Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Katy Gallagher, today joined the local Tharwa community to celebrate Tharwa's 150th birthday, and commemorate the complete restoration of the Tharwa Bridge.

"The Tharwa Bridge, which was constructed in 1895, underwent $26 million restoration works which have ensured it is safe to use into the future, while retaining its significant heritage value," the Chief Minister said.

"The restoration project which began in 2010 followed a conservation management plan which was developed to ensure the bridge remained consistent with its original design and retained its significant heritage value for the local Canberra region.

"The restored bridge was reopened in June 2011 and today was a great day to celebrate the restoration works as this year marks the 150th year since Tharwa was gazetted as a township," the Chief Minister said.

The Chief Minister added that the decision to restore the existing bridge as opposed to building a new concrete bridge followed an extensive community consultation process in 2008.

"A total of $26 million was allocated to the project with $14.7 million provided by the ACT Government and $11.3 million provided by the Federal Government through the Roads to Recovery program. The work was undertaken by the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority who are highly experienced in the conservation and maintenance of old timber bridges.

"The restoration works included the installation of a 108 metre long, 100 tonne timber deck. Two new steel girders were also added under the concrete approach spans to provide protection against severe floods.

"The restoration project has shown the ACT Government's commitment to maintaining Tharwa Bridge because of its significant heritage value to the Territory, particularly the residents of Tharwa, and its role as a gateway into Namadgi National Park," the Chief Minister concluded.