The potential heritage listing of the Manilla Viaduct has been high on the agenda at a meeting between Nationals Member for Tamworth and Shadow Minister for Heritage Kevin Anderson and the Heritage Minister Penny Sharpe.
Mr Anderson said he sought a meeting with the Minister following the Heritage Council of NSW’s announcement that they would consider listing the viaduct on the Heritage Register.
“The Manilla Viaduct is an iconic piece of our rail history and I’ve been working with the community to ensure the viaduct is preserved for future generations,” Mr Anderson said.
“Last month, we had a significant victory with the Heritage Council agreeing to consider listing the Viaduct on the NSW Heritage Register.
“This would enshrine protection of the viaduct in NSW law, ensuring the viaduct could not be knocked down at the whim of any future government.
“Submissions for the Heritage Council’s consideration of the Viaduct have now closed and soon the Heritage Council will make a recommendation to the Minister.”
Mr Anderson said ultimately the decision to list the viaduct on the Heritage Register sits with the Heritage Minister, which is why he took the opportunity to meet her.
He also wrote to the Minister seeking her advice on the NSW Government’s Adaptive Reuse of Heritage Places Policy.
“The community not only wants to see the viaduct preserved, but they want to see greater use of their heritage asset,” Mr Anderson said.
“The community would like to see a walkway atop the 500-metre structure, providing opportunities for tourism in the historic township.
“That’s why I’m seeking advice on the government’s current policy, to ensure that should the listing of the viaduct be successful, we will be in the best position to progress to the next step in preserving the viaduct.”
