In partnership with Campaspe Shire Council, Heritage Victoria has been working on the new Rail Trail project in Rushworth.
After detailed historical and site investigations, Heritage Victoria has placed the former Rushworth Railway Station on the Victorian Heritage Inventory (number H7924-0100).
Significant aspects of the former station include the remains of a turntable, ash pit and water supply, five switch point levers, four lines of broad-gauge track through the central station area, a dead-end siding, a brick-lined drain, timber goods shed, goods shed platform, passenger platform and a weighbridge and shed.
Mayor Rob Amos said the heritage listing to the trail will keep the historic charm of Rushworth at the forefront of the works.
“By placing the former Rushworth Railway Station on the Victorian Heritage Inventory, its archaeological features are protected from development. Any future construction works will require approval from Heritage Victoria,” he said.
“Council has been given approval from Heritage Victoria in February to begin construction on the Rail Trail.”
Campaspe Shire Council acting director of infrastructure Mark Dibsdale said the design for the upcoming Rail Trail demonstrates the council’s desire to minimise impacts to the existing historic features and will highlight important features for users along the trail.
“This includes minimising the track removal to one line on the High St end and diverting around the existing tracks where possible. It also includes the installation of interpretive signage along the trail, providing information and photos of historical features,” Mr Dibsdale said.
“The former Rushworth Railway Station joins many other historically important sites in Rushworth on the Victorian Heritage Inventory, including Main Gully Chinese Camp, Specimen Hill Open Cut Mine, Rushworth Police Camp, Growlers Hill and Cockatoo Mine.”
A copy of the Victorian Heritage Inventory listing (number H7924-0100) can be found on the Heritage Victoria website and the council’s project page.