OUR HERITAGE AT RISK -  AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY - 2008

Place:    Tharwa Bridge

Threat:  Loss of heritage values through inappropriate conservation

Tharwa Bridge 1980's      Photo: National Trust of Australia (ACT)

Significance:

The oldest surviving bridge in the ACT, which was the first bridge built with Allan trusses and so is significant in Australian engineering design. The bridge is historically important in the development of the country to the west of the Murrumbidgee and aesthetically significant for its contribution to the village of Tharwa and the surrounding landscape

The bridge is significant in its contribution to the rural landscape on the edge of suburbia and its relationship with the river, the village landscape of Tharwa and the hills beyond.  Since its construction it has been the gateway to the village for Tharwa residents and a focal point for other ACT residents for recreational purposes.  The predominately white painted bridge is also highly valued for its aesthetic qualities as it is a major element in picturesque landscape of the village of Tharwa and pastoral surrounds of the Lanyon Bowl.  The bridge is the most visible structure on the approach to Tharwa from the east.

(For further detail, see the Nomination Form)

Statement of Risk:

Due to deterioration of original fabric the bridge has been closed to all traffic. Early this year the ACT Government reversed a decision to replace the bridge and are now repairing the original structure.  It is unclear, however, how much of the original fabric will be retained and how much will be replaced.

Degree of Risk:       High risk - solution agreed but not implemented

Threats/Risks:        Destruction

Fate/outcome:         Suffering

Desired Outcome / Vision:

The bridge to be repaired in a manner sympathetic to its heritage fabric, reopened to vehicle traffic, maintained accordingly and continue to be used as a crossing of the Murrumbidgee River into Tharwa village.

View Nomination Form

(Review the 2007 Nomination)

Bibliography:

Andrews, W.C. 1990 Canberra’s Engineering Heritage, Canberra Divison of the The Insitute of Engineers, Australia, Canberra.

Department of Environment and Heritage http://www.ahc.gov.au/register/index.html

Environment ACT  http://www.environment.act.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/13175/481.pdf

Tharwa Bridge during reconstructon     Photos: National Trust of Australia (ACT)