The Benalla community has reacted with sadness and anger after learning that the town’s historic railway signal box was to be removed.
The Ensign reported the news in last week’s print edition and online. Once shared via Facebook it attracted 119 comments.
Australian Rail Track Corporation Acting Chief Executive Officer Wayne Johnson said he understood the structure, at the Nunn St railway crossing, was an important and part of Benalla’s history.
“It’s not that we’re just going to bulldoze it,” Mr Johnson said.
“When we find out something is not safe, we don’t just have a legal obligation we also have a moral obligation to do something about it.”
Mr Johnson told the Ensign the likelihood of the signal box being structurally sound enough to be relocated was low.
“We will work with contractors as to what our options are,” he said.
“And we’ll continue to work with council, and get some feedback through the course of the next month around how we could integrate aspects of it into (our upcoming works).”
The reaction to the news on Facebook was mostly negative.
“Well that will certainly change the landscape - that’s been there forever,” said Louise.
Darren said someone should act to get a historic overlay put on the structure.
“It can be saved legally, despite what owners or developers want,” he said.
Bruce described its removal as desecrating Benalla’s history.
“The list of historic buildings removed from our community is a disgrace at the highest level,” he said.
Julie had a similar opinion.
“That is a real shame, another part of Benalla's history just torn down and tossed away,” she said.
Judy simply said this is something that “must be stopped”.
Shirley spoke about its history saying that her dad worked in there back in 1963 for about six years.
“It’s a part of history,” she said.
Whilst most comments were against its removal, there were a few in favour.
Travis said progress and development are not such a bad thing in this context.
“The station itself is the building to protect,” he said.
You can read all comments on Facebook @Benalla Ensign.
Better Benalla Rail took its Save Our Station campaign to the celebration 150th anniversary of the first train arriving in the Rose City, which included calls to save the signal box.
Read more about that at www.benallaensign.com.au/