- Rokeby and Crossover Friends Group Inc. - 
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- Rokeby and Crossover Friends Group Inc. -
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This old timber bridge at Crossover was reportedly constructed in 1892 as part of the Warragul to Noojee rail link. In 1958 that rail line closed after decades of transporting timber, farm produce, local passengers and occasional tourists. This bridge is supported by six tall trestles and spans about forty metres of ferny cutting below. Nearly all of the many trestle bridges along the line were destroyed by bushfires. Some rumoured that anxious road transporters possibly sabotaged these bridges. Nevertheless, the Crossover road bridge survived and is in original condition. By contrast, the famous trestle bridge at Noojee has been renovated and maintained. Since the rail closure, the Crossover bridge has been in gentle decline due to neglect and lack of maintenance. Many of the decking timbers are rotting, yet many of the uprights appear strong and stable. The bridge has considerable artistic, engineering and tourist merit. One fascinating aspect is the picket style safety railing. There is also the depth of the fern lined, steep cutting below, along which the trains laboured. The bridge is understood to be an asset of Baw Baw Shire. It is listed with Heritage Victoria, as, to historians it symbolises the development of early transport routes in West Gippsland. The design is said to typify construction methods and details found in many trestle road bridges of the day. The Rokeby and Crossover Friends Group has been aware since its inception of the potential and simple beauty of the structure. At a recent meeting of the Group a decision was made to pursue a restoration project. The Group will be seeking Shire advice, as well as potential sponsors and funding to upgrade the area and assist with replacing decking and railing. Any individual, building or timber firm which could also assist will be welcome to contribute to the project. An 'open day' is planned to promote awareness of the bridge project. This will be an opportunity for those with historical, environmental and photographic interests to learn more about this charming relic. More information will soon be available. The Rokeby and Crossover Friends Group Inc. was formed in late 2003 by local people with common interests in their patch of bush land. The Group has a diversity of members representing many bush users - residents and neighbouring land owners, horse riders, motorcyclists, four wheel drivers, bushwalkers, dog walkers and amateur prospectors. The group aims to protect and maintain adjacent land so it can remain clean and safe for wildlife and yet enjoyed by residents and visitors. (By: Mary Hughes, ph. 56 28 4195) Click to request more information on this project click on this link. Click to go to the Heritage Victoria listing details. Type in Crossover Bridge. Click to go to National Estate listing. |
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The proposal is to restore the heritage bridge (Crossover Bridge) and establish a passive use track (a distance of approx.6 kilometres) through the Crossover Regional Park to link Crossover and Rokeby townships with the already established and operating track that links through to Neerim South and onto Noojee. To organise the arrangements and undertake the feasibility of achieving this result we have formed two committees and split the project into two defined projects. A) The bridge restoration. B) The construction of walking track, bridge surrounds and a small parking area. Estimated costing: Part A. Bridge restoration $140,000. Part B. Track establishment and bridge surrounds $115,000. Key Personal: Committee A. David Mapleson, Kerry Irwin, Diane Telford, Ken Lyons, Mary Hughes. Committee B: Bernard Doherty, David Dawson, Carolyn Ferguson, George Gleeson. Engineer: Jeff Anderson (aldbar civil and mining engineering) Graphic artist: Peter Haydon. Stake Holders: 1) Parks Victoria. 2) Department of Sustainability and Environment. 3) Baw Baw Shire. 4) Heritage Victoria. 5) Green Corp Australia. Project Location: "Crossover Regional Park" which runs between Bloomfield road Crossover to the east and Rokeby township to the west. Both the north and south boundaries abut private property. The park is a magnificent slice of virgin bushland with a now redundant railway line running east west for the full length of the park. Because it is virtually flat and easy to traverse the railway line is seen to be ideal for the establishment of a through track. At the Crossover end is situated the historic bridge (see attachment) and at the Rokeby end is a well established common Park and B.B.Q. area that is heavily used. Beneficiaries: A) Whole of Baw Baw Shire. By establishing this vital bushland link in the already established chain of tracks in the shire we will be linking the central towns of the shire and giving the more populous townships an opportunity to use the bushland while enjoying their family outings. B) The host of groups that are looking for an alternative to the mundane walk around town. Because it will be a flat track(not undulating) it gives the frail,aged and disabled a chance to enjoy a day in the forest in a safe,managed environment with already established facilities for picnics, BBQ's ect. C) Individuals. Walkers, cyclists, joggers, bird watchers, mums with prams, family groups, day trippers ect. There is simply no-one that cannot benefit from this project and the up grading of the park as a whole. D) Tourists and tourism operators will benefit from the heritage bridge and the availability of a smaller more accessible forest area for tourists to frequent and enjoy particulary the older tourist that requires an easy flat area to stroll along and dream. E) Tarago Dam and Glen Nayook projects. Completion of this project will link all three attractions and compliment each other. Each one having their own unique attractions and challenges. It would be possible to pedal your bike from Rokeby to Glen Nayook along the established track. F) Schools and education centres will be able to visit the forest for various activities with relevant safety because of the restrictive boundaries of this forest area. G) Other suggested uses and tourism possibilities: Long Lunch over the bridge or a selected part of the track, Tai Chi classes in the forest, charity fun run through the forest, night walks to explore the myriad of wildlife that abounds here. This project will compliment what is already established and open up a delightful bushland area for all passive visitors to enjoy and appreciate in a safe, well-managed environment. Each of the friends group committees will deal only with aspects of the overall project that are relevant to their area of responsibility but shall meet as one on a regular basis to bring the project into cohesion. Rokeby Crossover Friends Group holds the overall responsibility to bring the project to completion. Where there is an over lapping of interest (such as "wings " on the bridge entrance) a decision will be made by the general meeting of both committees with counsel from the relevant land managers. Committee A - BRIDGE RESTORATION BRIEF: To organise and see through to completion the restoration of "Crossover Bridge". COMMITTEE RESPONSIBILITIES: A) Research the historic and heritage aspects of the bridge. B) Research and approach funding possibilities. C) Research and gain any "Impact" statements. D) Engage with the graphic artist and obtain impression drawings. E) Liase with the engineer and ensure construction protocol is adhered to. F) Research and engage a qualified construction crew. G) Liase with all relevant authorities pertaining to the bridge. H) Organise media releases and web page information. I) Organise a public awareness campaign. CONTRIBUTORS: (with estimations) 1) Rokeby/Crossover Friends Group: ($9,000) The 600 hours allowed for is estimated to be a bare minimum of time needed to undertake our responsibilities as specified. 2) Department of Sustainability and Environment: ($20,000) In preliminary discussions the d.s.e. have offered to supply enough timber(in logs) to complete the necessary works of re-decking, picket railings and fencing they will also assist with the organising of suitable contractors and generally assist with arrangements. 3) "aldbar" civil and mining engineering.(Jeff Anderson) ($15,000) Jeff has undertaken to perform all the engineering studies and will liase with all the statutory body engineers that have an interest in the project. 3) Peter Haydon ($5,000) Peter is a graphic artist and has undertaken to do the artists "impressions" of the final project. 4) Preliminary discussions are being held with local saw-millers to assess the level of their contribution. We are mulling around a heavily discounted rate to mill the donated logs. 5) Other contributors yet to be approached: Baw Baw Shire, Heritage victoria, Bendigo Community bank, State and Federal grants. Committee B - PASSIVE USE TRACK. BRIEF: Establish a constructed track from Crossover through the forest to Rokeby. Establish a small constructed car park at the Crossover end of the track Manage any works undertaken in the area surrounding the bridge. COMMITTEE RESPOSIBILITIES: A) Liase with residents at both ends of the proposed track. B) Research with responsible authorities various possible lineations of the track. C) Research and apply for all funding opportunities. D) Research and liase with "green corp" as a possible project. E) Engage with other local and regional groups. F) Research and gain any "impact" studies that are necessary. G) Design and undertake a presentation for all interest groups. H) Contribute to media releases, web page and public awareness campaign. I) Liase with all relevant authorities pertaining to the track and surrounds. CONTRIBUTORS: (with estimations) 1) Rokeby/Crossover Friends Group: Minimum of 600 hours. Undertaking all the responsibilities as outlined (value $9,000) 2) Green Corp. Evaluated at their normal project rates (11 people for 26 weeks) ( conservative estimate value $70,000). We have spoken to Green Corp and they are keen to take on the project, with tentative starting date in January 2008. Proviso being that we meet all their E.L.O. requirements and the application is completed to their satisfaction. 3) Department of Sustainability and Environment: Through the motorbike initiative ($5,000.00) As part of the Initiative and after discussions with D.S.E people we qualify for their funding of the signage and "closing off" of the Rokeby end of the track to motorised traffic. 4) Parks Victoria: Asking for $10,000. This cash contribution will be directed towards material costs for the track formation i.e. viewing platform at the end of the track, park seating along the track, stone and gravel that may be necessary.(All construction will be undertaken by Green Corp and Friends Group personal) 5) Other contributors yet to be explored as to the depth of their contributions: Baw Baw Shire, Federal Government Envirofund, various State Government Grants, Rail Trail grants. (By: David Dawson, ph. 5626 8263) For more information on this project click on this link. |
Click on the logo to see the Friends Group in action |
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