Tanya Plibersek, Minister for the Environment and Water, has announced $88,000 in funding for the conservation of retaining walls at Devines Hill, on the Old Great North Road.
The man-made road was built using convict labour between 1826 and 1836, and spans between Sydney and the Hunter Valley. The Old Great North Road is a 43-kilometre stretch of this road on the National Heritage List, that retains some of the best examples of our convict past.
This project aims to protect and conserve the retaining walls, where movement has occurred, with the expert advice of an engineer and an archaeologist. A report and review of environmental factors will also be undertaken if reconstruction is required.
The Old Great North Road is one of 11 places that make up the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage serial listing, inscribed in July 2010.
This funding is part of the $5.57 million Round 5 of the Australian Heritage Grants program to protect, restore and manage Australia’s amazing National Heritage listed places.
In total, the Australian Government is investing more than $25 million through the Australian Heritage Grants program. These grants will help to ensure our precious heritage-listed places will be protected for the future.
There are 120 places of outstanding natural, Indigenous or historic value on the National Heritage List, spanning every state and territory, from remote landscapes and ecosystems to the historic centres of our biggest cities.
Further information about the Australian Heritage Grants program can be found here: www.dcceew.gov.au/parks-heritage/heritage/grants-and-funding/australian-heritage-grants
Quotes attributable to the Minister for the Environment and Water the Hon Tanya Plibersek:
“Our heritage is what makes Australia unique. We’re so lucky to live in a country that is home to some of the world’s most significant natural, Indigenous and historical heritage places.
“The Australian Government is working with Traditional Owners, conservation groups, volunteers and state and territory Governments to ensure these precious sites are protected and maintained for future generations.
“We’re investing more than $25 million through our Australian Heritage Grants program to protect these sites for our children and grandchildren.
“These projects will also help to raise community awareness about sites on the National Heritage List, giving all Australians a chance to understand and experience the rich history that has shaped our nation.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Robertson, Dr Gordon Reid MP:
“The Old Great North Road on the famous Hawkesbury River is the best surviving example of an intact convict-built road with massive structural works, which remains undisturbed by later development.
“This project will help to preserve an important piece of our convict history in Dharug National Park which attracts tourists from far and wide and includes a World Heritage walk.”
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