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Did you know...
...that both the Collector Community Association and The Collector and District Historical Association support the immediate cease of demolition of the Collector Creek Bridge, and have made formal requests to the Council to abort this sudden demolition. This would allow for a more reasonable approach and time period to consider the situation and options available, and also facilitate community consultation
"Dave's ACT Blog" has featured the Collector Creek Bridge here
More images of our beautiful bridge
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Into my heart an air that kills
From yon far country blows.
What are those blue remembered hills,
What spires, what farms are those?
That is the land of lost content,
I see it shining plain,
The happy highways where I went
And cannot come again.
- Blue Remembered Hills (1979) - A. E. Housman
Collector Creek & Bridge News Archive
29 November 2010 | Media Release
Upper Lachlan Council Culvert Delay Killing Collector
The Collector Voice
Upper Lachlan Council has failed to commence any works to replace the Collector Bridge it closed in June 2010 and partially demolished in July.
Council has claimed this is due to the wet weather which began in September. It now hopes to have a culvert to replace the Bridge in place by May 2011 depending on the weather more
To read all Collector Creek issue Media Releases, please see the index on our Media Page here
Collector Community Association
Meeting
Monday 6 December | 7:30pm, Collector Hall
Wind farm survey results on agenda - all are urged to attend!
CCA Wind Farm Committee Surveys
Please complete and return the survey by Thursday 25 November 2010.
Once complete, please
- place survey in the box at the Community Blackboard on Church Street or,
- email back to samithom333@hotmail.com (online surveys will be emailed out within the next 24hrs - to receive yours, please ensure your email is on the CollectorVoice Mailing List by putting your email in the box in the right-hand column on this page - then click "Go"!
For further information regarding the surveys, please email samithom333@hotmail.com
Collector - Your response to this survey is very important to the VOICE of the residents of Collector and locale!
Collector Community Association Meeting
Agenda Item - Collector Wind Farm
The Collector Community Association would like to welcome all to its next meeting on MONDAY 1st NOVEMBER at 7.30 pm at the COLLECTOR MEMORIAL HALL
Here's the email, in case you missed it:
"As many of you are aware, Transfield Corporation are planning a major wind farm project on the Cullerin range between Collector and Breadalbane.
Without doubt, the Collector Community and surrounds is and will be the main community affected by the proposed development.
The Collector Community Association, which aims to improve the amenity of village and community life in Collector, is obviously keen to develop a position in relation to the proposed development that is in the best interests of the broader community, and we can only hope to achieve that if we have strong and broad representation at the meeting.
The Collector Community Association would like to welcome all to its next meeting on MONDAY 1st NOVEMBER at 7.30 pm at the COLLECTOR MEMORIAL HALL.
I am sure that you all have many colleagues, friends and neighbours who will have an interest in this major development, so I urge you to forward this email on to anyone you think may be interested in attending.
I look forward to seeing you there.
Regards, James McKay
President, Collector Community Association"
New Collector Windfarm Media - click to view
Collector ups the ante over visual impact of wind farm - Canberra Times - 28 October 2010 [Word Doc]
Discuss in the Collector Wind Farm forum hereWind farm moves: Walwa under way, Lerida next - Crookwell Gazette - 28 October 2010
Discuss in the Collector Wind Farm forum hereAnger in the Wind - Goulburn Post - 20 October 2010
Discuss in the Collector Wind Farm forum here
15 September 2010 | So THAT'S what the bridge was for
Bungendore Mirror
A spokesperson for the Upper Lachlan Shire Council told a roadside meeting, held at Collector recently, that the low level culvert that will replace the partly demolished Collector Creek bridge may flood once or twice in 25 years. The creek has been well above the pavement level of the proposed culvert twice in the last month, leaving the residents bemused and angry. Work on the crossing has been put on hold as the Council belatedly undertakes the consultation with affected residents required under the Roads Act. In the meantime Collector residents are preparing submissions to State Government departments on the Council’s lack of due diligence in assessing community, heritage and environmental issues in its rush to demolish the bridge more...[pdf]
Yep - It's another Stuffer - Upper - Lachlan Shire Council
5 September 2010 | Minor flooding at Collector Creek
"When asked how often the Collector Creek crossing would be cut off by floods in the future, Phil Newham (ULSC Works Dept) said "perhaps one or two times in the next twenty-five years"" - from the public bridge meeting, 13/08/2010
By Collector Voice's reckoning, that leaves the new culvert Collector Creek crossing open for the next 25 years... (The culvert level has been breached twice in the last month)
25 August 2010 | Collector hear how it's going to be
Bungendore Mirror
Collector residents gathered in
Murray Street, near the partly
demolished Collector Creek
Bridge, recently to hear Upper
Lachlan Shire Council representatives
tell them how things would
be.
A nearby sign declares that the
road (and bridge) were closed to
traffic from Thursday 17 June for
approximately 5 months, but that
has become more of a statement
of hope than likelihood. more...[pdf]
13 August 2010 | Upper Lachlan Council Pay Nothing Towards Collector Creek Crossing
During the The Upper Lachlan Council Collector Bridge replacement information session today, it was revealed that Council didn't put one dollar of rate-payer's money towards Collector's new Creek Crossing. Approximately eighteen people attended the hastily-called meeting, with attendees including Phil Newham (ULSC Works Dept), Collector residents, individuals interested in purchasing the bridge timbers, and the journalist from the Bungendore Mirror. Whilst widely regarded as an exercise in futility by Collector residents that have been calling for real consultation regarding the replacement of the Collector Creek Bridge more...
Sorry Phil, the Bridge Has Gone
In a letter to Collector residents received in the ULSC Letterbox drop on 10 August 2010, Phil Newham, Upper Lachlan's Director of Works and Operations advised Collector residents that:
"The existing timber bridge in Murray Street has reached the end of its service life and will not be strong enough to carry vehicular traffic for much longer"Somebody better tell Phil what his staff are doing!
The photo below shows the current state of the bridge (Click on images to enlarge)
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12 August 2010 | Council August Business Papers are now available (thanks observant Collector residents!)
Highlights:
11 August 2010 | Council maroons residents
Bungendore Mirror (Now distributed to Collector Residences!)
Press Release - Upper Lachlan Council has approved the construction of a low level culvert which will leave some residents marooned in the event of a flood. The culvert will replace the 100 year old wooden bridge the Council has already partially demolished, without the public consultation required under Section 29 of the NSW Roads Act more...[pdf]
11 August 2010 | Council "Information Session" Public Meeting
CCA
Letters were delivered around town by council workers yesterday announcing that Council Works Director Phil Newham would be available at 4pm this Friday at the Collector Creek bridge crossing (town side) for an information session regarding the new concrete culvert plan for Collector Creek. This meeting is an information session only, not consultation regarding bridge options or community input into the crossing.
11 August 2010 | Media Release
Upper Lachlan Council Approves Illegal Death Trap Culvert
The Collector Voice
On 15 July Upper Lachlan Council approved the building of a 10 cell low level culvert over Collector Creek and lowering of the adjacent road some 60 metres on both sides. The culvert is to replace the 100 year old wooden bridge it has already partially demolished. Council did this without the public consultation process prior to a decision in contravention of Section 29 of the NSW Roads Act more
To read all Collector Creek issue Media Releases, please see the index on our Media Page here
29 July 2010 | Collector demolition abuse of process, position
Bungendore Mirror
A posting on the Collector Voice website says the Upper Lachlan Council has broken the law in three key areas in its the battle with Collector
residents over the replacement of the old Federal Highway bridge over the Collector Creek more...
25 July 2010 | Forum responses to Michael Coley
Formal responses to Councillor Michael Coley's email from Collector residents are in the Collector Voice Forum. Responses are now to be posted in the Collector Voice Forum to facilitate community comment here
25 July 2010 | Correspondence - Incoming - Reply email from James Wheelwright re "Open email to Phil Newham"
Phil...best of luck being polite.......do they want acess or not...have to be carefull with boundary though......james more...(Word doc)
Would you like to comment? Join us in our open forum here
23 July 2010 | Correspondence - Incoming - Reply email from Michael Coley re "Open email to Phil Newham"
Thank you for your kind words in your email of last week and on the website but of course we differ greatly on several aspects.
I believe passionately in democracy, hence my proposed resolution. But democracy isn't one-sided - it cuts both ways more...(Word doc)
Would you like to comment? Join us in our open forum here
22 July 2010 | Correspondence - Outgoing - Email to Phil Newham
Email from Collector resident Barbara Bryan to Phil Newham, Works Director, Upper Lachlan Shire Council and all ULS Councillors protesting at Council's lack of communication regarding the Collector Creek bridge replacement, and conflicting Council-obtained Environmental Reports that contradict Government endangered species databases. Government databases officially recognise that endangered animals are likely in and around Collector Creek more...(Word doc)
Would you like to comment? Join us in our open forum here
22 July 2010 | Bushranger Reserve Environmental Report 2008 [PDF]
Read the Bushrangers Reserve Action Plan, which includes detailed references to the environmental "treasure" Collector Creek, here [PDF]
22 July 2010 | No change for Collector bridge
Crookwell Gazette
MOVE by Cr. Mike Coley to delay a decision on the Collector bridge replacement was defeated at last Upper Lachlan Council meeting at Crookwell more...
*NEW* 21 July 2010 | New culvert pics - Wowagin after rain - dry, no flow?
To view the latest pics of one of the councils new culverts and how they have the potential to devastate creeks, click here
20 July 2010 | Council cries poor to Collector, yet finds another $250,000+ for small culvert at Binda at the same meeting
At the very same Council Meeting where the cheapest possible culvert was passed for Collector (page 7) in the defence that they couldn't afford anything better, the Upper Lachlan Shire Council accepted the tender for yet another culvert - this time even smaller, yet costing even more than Collector's Culvert
Page 44, Item 1 of the newly-released Council Minutes reads -
"TENDER EVALUATION FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF BOX CULVERTS BINDA, ROAD BINDA
Recommendation 1: That Council accepts the tender from Brefni Excavation & Earthmoving Pty Ltd in the sum of $229,525.00 plus GST (so the total is now 250,000+!) for the replacement of the Twin Cell Box Culverts on Binda Road, Binda. Moved Clr Wheelwright and seconded Clr Barlow. Carried." You can read the July 2010 Upper Lachlan Shire Council Minutes here
20 July 2010 | Council denies Collector the right to have any say on their own creek crossing
At the July Council Meeting last week, the Upper Lachlan Shire Council voted out Michael Coley's motion for Collector Residents to have a one month delay on the contruction of a creek crossing at Collector Creek in order for the community to have the opportunity for a say in what they would prefer. Council instead passed that the unwanted proposed culvert would go ahead, and that the Collector Community were finally to receive the public meeting that they had been calling for - however it would be one held after the culvert was confirmed and passed by Council. The public meeting with Council attending is to be an information session only - instead of the consultation session with Council that the Collector Community have been repeatedly calling for. You can read the motions in the July 2010 Upper Lachlan Shire Council Minutes here
18 July 2010 | The Culverts of Upper Lachlan County
Lets take another look at the brand-new (and far more expensive) culverts installed by the Upper Lachlan Shire Council after the recent heavy rainfalls to see how the creeks concerned are fairing - and for a preview of what is to come to Collector Creek here...
16 July 2010 | Freedom Of Information document index
An index of the FOI documents Collector residents obtained from ULSC in July 2010. Documents include the Council Environmental Assesment, Extra flood report, Culvert plan and Heritage letter
You can view the FOI document index here
15 July 2010 | Mike Coley Stands Up for Collector
in Collector's defence
Councillor Mike Coley stood up for Collector at the Council meeting of 15 July. He argued for and moved a resolution that any decision on the Collector bridge replacement be deferred until there was consultation with the Collector community. He was supported by Councillors Mayo and Bill.
The proposed resolution read:
1. defer the decision on the replacement structure for the Bridge until the Council's next ordinary meeting;
2. provide sketch plans for the two alternative structures in 1. above to the Collector Community Association; and
3. in conjunction with the Collector Community Association convene a public meeting to consider community views on the proposed structures.
opposed the Collector Community's
right to decide on their town bridge
Mike Coley was also supported by Council Works and Operations Managers Phil Newham and Peter Mowle. They advised there was time to defer a final decision and consult due to the need to conclude the approval process with NSW Department of Fisheries and, if they give go ahead, to let some foundation material settle in the creek.
Mike Coley's motion was opposed by Councillor Wheelwright. He considered the issue had gone on long enough and Council needed to move on. The evidence presented to the meeting that a decision by Council to proceed would be illegal since it would contradict the requirements of Section 29 of the NSW Roads Act was either ignored or did not register. The Collector resident present, Barbara Bryan, was not given the opportunity to speak at any stage.
Council subsequently rejected Mike Coley's motion six to three and approved the new 10 cell culvert proposal. They were not concerned about the illegality of their action or that the Environmental approval process with State Government authorities have not been concluded. They also endorsed having a consultative meeting in Collector community later in the month to tell them why their new proposal was the only one they would consider.
15 July 2010 | Interview with Barbara Bryan
Radio 2CC
Mark Parton from Radio 2CC interviewed Collector Creek-side resident Barbara Bryan this morning following the Collector Voice media release Upper Lachlan Council breaks law in Collector Bridge battle. You can read the latest Collector Voice Media Release here
To read all Collector Creek issue Media Releases, please see the index on the upper-right side of the Media webpage for links
Collector Creek Bridge pollution, 15 July 2010 - low flood, new culvert would already be submerged?
(No council measurements have been given, therefore we cannot say with certainty)
The Collector Creek environment has been greatly affected by the minor flooding today due to wood refuse and waste from the Collector Creek Bridge decking demolition site being washed down the creek, clogging banks and corridors.
15 July 2010 | Media Release Upper Lachlan Council breaks law in Collector Bridge battle
The Collector Voice
In the battle with Collector residents over the replacement of the local bridge, Upper Lachlan Council has broken the law in three key areas:. You can read the latest Collector Voice Media Release here
To read all Collector Creek issue Media Releases, please see the index on our Media Page here
14 July 2010 | Upper Lachlan Shire Council meeting
The next Upper Lachlan Shire Council Meeting will be held at Crookwell on Thursday 15 July 2010 commencing at 9.00am From the ULSC website: "Members of the public are welcome to attend" - CollectorVoice.com will be there!
To read the business papers for this meeting, including references to the latest low-level culvert plans for Collector Creek and Collector residents FOI application click here
9 July 2010 | Collector locals in bid to save bridge
The Goulburn Post
COLLECTOR residents are drawing on Governor Lachlan Macquarie in their ongoing protest over a local bridge. The Save Collector Creek group claims Upper Lachlan Shire Council is feeding false information to the NSW Heritage Office about the structure. more...
5 July 2010 | Collector community won't give up
Canberra Weekly Magazine
Demolition of the historic Collector Bridge is continuing although the NSW town's residents are determined they will not keep quiet on the issue. Upper Lachlan Shire Council is replacing the 110 year-old bridge which stands over Collector Creek more...
5 July 2010 | John Shaw: 30 Days to Find More Funds for Better Collector Bridge
Collector Voice
On Saturday 3 July Upper Lachlan Mayor John Shaw advised he would grant 30 days to third parties to seek funds for a better bridge than the low level culvert currently proposed by Council. This was in a response to a proposal from the Collector and District Historical Society that Council consider other funding avenues for a more appropriate structure.
Council states the low level culvert will only cost $220,000 despite it involving digging up 100 metres of road both sides and lowering it to meet the culvert, which, after infill, will only have 7.5 metres of effective waterway. The other Council options which do not involve digging up the main road are:
- a large 7 box culvert with boxes 2.7m high by 3.6m long costing $450,000; and
- an M lock concrete bridge 40m in length costing $750,000.
Approaches will be made to the Federal Member for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, and the State Minister for Transport, the Hon John Robertson MLC.
In the meantime, Members of the Collector Community Association and the Collector and District Historical Association will continue to endeavour to obtain from Council the component costs to Council's options. This will enable better understanding of what is possible. Council has refused to provide this information for several months but is hoped that it will soon see the advantages of more openly consulting with the Collector community.
5 July 2010 | Bridge timbers to be used for signposting historical sites in Collector
Collector Voice
Following a recommendation from Collector and District Historical Association's last meeting, on 3 July Mayor John Shaw agreed that bridge timbers should be used for the purpose of signposting of heritage sites around the town. Arrangements for implementing this will hopefully be put in place at the next Council meeting.
Council workers have advised that Council intends to sell the remaining timber from the bridge. In particular, most of the large beams underneath that carried the timber deck are very sound and are apparently worth big dollars. Councillor Mike Coley has, however, advised the community members at the meeting on 20 June that he would propose to Council that the bridge timbers be used to build a commemorative structure. We have no news as to whether he has followed up on this matter - but hope to have some soon!
Correction to this story received 23rd July 2010 - "An earlier report on the website says I was going to pursue the idea of bridge timbers being used for a historical/museum purpose. My understanding is that I suggested to you and the Association that appropriate people in Collector might ask Council for this. I did not suggest I should do it though I said I would support such an approach" - Michael Coley
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Click on the image to enlarge
5 July 2010 | The forced demolition - today's photos of our bridge being ripped apart
There was no further demolishing of the bridge today - bird-song replaced the sound of power tools, and all was peaceful again. The works caravan was also removed today, and only the neatly stacked decking of the bridge remained in the compound. Also pictured above, the current view from the Southern side of the bridge.
To view all demolition photos, please go to the demolition page
3 July 2010 | Residents prepare for court as fight to save bridge takes its toll
Canberra Times
Collector residents plan to go to the NSW Land and Environment Court in a bid to have the town's bridge replaced with one sympathetic to the area. Upper Lachlan Shire Council proposes to replace the old wooden bridge with one made of concrete box culverts more...
3 July 2010 | Interview with Ilona & Frank Ross
Radio 2CC
2 July 2010 | The forced demolition - see today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart here!
The last of the deck is removed and the bridge is left standing with only the long beams and supports of the upper structure remaining.
(Click photos to enlarge)
To view all demolition photos, please go to the demolition page
View our *NEW* YouTube Video here
Or you can watch it at the YouTube.com site here
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1 July 2010 The forced demolition - today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart
No more feeding the ducks off of the bridge for Collector's children. Today council workmen removed most of what was left of the decking, leaving only the long log supports in place. The creek water and surrounds are a mess, littered with wood, broken welded bolts and rusty metal. Later in the afternoon, the Collector fire brigade was called to a fire in one of the pylons (see smoke pouring off in the last photo). Collector Creek has become a hazardous, poluted zone
(Click photos to enlarge)
To view all demolition photos, please go to the demolition page
In addition...this morning (2 July 2010) a workman was informed of the fire by a resident. He thanked the resident and carried on with his work.
1 July 2010 Ghost of Macquarie invoked in heritage dispute
Sydney Morning Herald
The travel diary of the NSW governor Lachlan Macquarie may prove an unlikely saviour for a group of residents keen to preserve a bridge in the historic township of Collector. Residents of the 300-person hamlet, south of Goulburn, are using Macquarie's visit 190 years ago as the latest weapon in their case against the Upper Lachlan Shire Council's proposal to replace a dilapidated timber bridge over Collector Creek. more...
Letter from CDHA sent to the Minister for Planning Tony Kelly last night
You can read the Collector and District Historical Association letter sent to the Minister for Planning Tony Kelly last night here (Word doc)
1 July 2010 Letter correspondance
Katrina Hodgkinson, MP
Letter reply to resident Barbara Bryan, including references to new policies for bridge funding. You can read the letter here
1 July 2010 Interview with Frank Ross
ABC Rural Radio
An interview with Frank Ross, Secretary of the Collector & District Historical Society discussing Collector Creek and surrounds and the historical significance of the Macquarie Precinct
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30 June 2010 The forced demolition - today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart
The workmen, having removed half of the bridge's deck, are now in the process of welding to shear off the bolts to enable the backhoe to rip up the remaining decking
(Click photos to enlarge)
To view all demolition photos, please go to the demolition page
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29 June 2010 Interview with Frank Ross
Radio 2CC
Radio 2CC interviewed secretary of the Collector and District Historical Association Frank Ross this morning following his media release Upper Lachlan Council Trashes Governor Lachlan Macquarie. You can read the Collector and District Historical Association Media Release here
To read all Collector Creek issue Media Releases, please see the index on our Media Page here
29 June 2010 The forced demolition - see today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart here!
Legalised vandalism? This morning reveals the damage done to the bridge yesterday. Today the demolition continues - despite workmen, tractors and trucks driving on the bridge and then ripping at it, exerting incredible stresses on the structure due to wood being ripped off baring the supports underneath, the bridge still appears to stand strong - perhaps it wasn't as structurally unsound as stated by council? If there is a three ton safety limit, shouldn't this work be too dangerous to have workmen in heavy machinery tearing at the very structure? The last photo is of the huge logs that support the length of the bridge - logs that were apparently sourced locally and brought to the site by bullocks. Of course, trees this old and straight would be incredibly rare nowadays
(Click photo to enlarge)
28 June 2010 The forced demolition - see today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart here!
Today a large section of top deck was ripped up. It obviously takes lots of intensive welding and tearing with the tractor to get even small sections up - they don't make bridges like they used to, particularly this old beauty
(Click photo to enlarge)
*BREAKING NEWS* Correspondance just in - Katrina Hodgkinson's Legislative Assembly Questions regarding Collector Creek
Katrina Hodgkinson, MP Member for Burrinjuck, answered our call for support and asked a list of Legislative Assembly Questions regarding Collector Creek
"Question asked on 22 June 2010 (session 54-1) and published in Questions & Answers Paper No. 211. No answer has been printed" - You can read the "Question on Notice" Legislative Assembly document (PDF) here
27 June 2010 A frosty morning
There was a heavy frost this morning which turned the bridge to white. Once a familiar winter sight that instilled caution into early morning Canberra commuters, now this heavy frost is simply a last hurrah for our bleeding bridge.
(Click photo to enlarge)
25 June 2010 The forced demolition - see today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart here!
Our poor bridge is really starting to look ragged. Huge planks have been torn from along the edges, and simply dropped over the side into the creek below, with dangerous long bolts protruding up out of the water, presumably to be left in that dangerous state for the entire weekend, if not longer
(Click photo to enlarge)
25 June 2010 Interview with Barbara Bryan, Collector Creek-side resident
ABC Radio 666
Barbara Bryan, Collector Creek-side resident was interviewed for a ABC666 News segment this morning regarding the release of the new Save Collector Creek YouTube Video Protest release. You can view the Save Collector Creek YouTube Video Protest at the YouTube website here
24 June 2010
It could be one hundred years agao...see a pic of the Collector Creek bridge disappearing into history in the misty morning here!
(Click image to enlarge)
24 June 2010 The forced demolition - see today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart here!
They are starting to work the deck up now, but it's hard, slow work from the looks of it. The metal patch-up plates have been lifted off today, too. And yet very early this morning, in the foggy mists the bridge still looked beautiful...
(Click photo to enlarge)
24 June 2010 Collector meeting still disagrees with Council
Crookwell Gazette
.People came from as far away as Sydney to attend the meeting, their last opportunity to visit the historic structure. Attendees inspected the huge ancient beam configuration on the underside of the bridge and took in the soon-to-disappear views of the Collector Creek and plains from the top deck more...
24 June 2010 Collector bridge petition upsets Mayor
Crookwell Gazette
In particular, Cr. Shaw objected to "personal remarks" contained in the petition relating to General Manager Mr. John Bell. The petition was presented to Thursday's Council meeting at Gunning by Collector resident Mrs. Barbara Bryan more...
23 June 2010 The forced demolition - see today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart here!
Bit-by-bit the deck is unfastened, with handrail supports now gone. The bridge is looking "naked"
(Click photo to enlarge)
22 June 2010 Interview with John Shaw, Breakfast with Ross Solly
ABC Radio 666
There was a radio interview on ABC666 this morning John Shaw, Mayor of the Upper Lachlan Shire Council. To listen click here
22 June 2010 The forced demolition - see today's photo of our bridge being ripped apart here!
The (very nice) council workers collecting up all of the guardrail posts. Today I found out that the wood of the bridge is to be put in the compound and will be for sale by tender. Apparently, that doesn't belong to Collector either!
22 June 2010 Interview with Helen Stephens
Radio 2CC
Radio 2CC morning program interviewed Collector creek-side resident Helen Stephens this morning to discuss the Collector Creek issues, including the Upper Lachlan Council's failure to provide even the most basic information regarding bridge works to the Village of Collector. After a Freedom-of-Information application from Collector residents, the Upper Lachlan Council asked for a $200 deposit before they would release any documentation, including environmental reports
21 June 2010 Interview with Frank Ross
Radio 2CC - Drive
Radio 2CC "Drive" program interviewed Collector and District History Association Secretary Frank Ross this afternoon to discuss the Upper Lachlan Council's handling of the demolition of the Collector Creek Bridge more...
21 June 2010 Collector Wants Bridge To Go With Flow
Canberra Times
Children played on the 130-year-old Collector Bridge yesterday oblivious to the worries of the world. But trouble was certainly afoot, as the residents of the town held a public meeting to protest against the replacement of a historic timber bridge over Collector Creek. Upper Lachlan Shire Council plans to demolish the bridge more...
21 June 2010 Bridge Work Moves Ahead
Goulburn Post
Upper Lachlan Shire Council are pushing ahead with the replacement of the Collector Creek Bridge in the face of negative public feedback more...
*NEWSFLASH!* - Update 21 June 3pm - 2CC Drivetime Radio interview 4-ish TODAY!
In addition, there are articles in both the Canberra Times and Goulburn Post today (available soon on our Media page).
21 June 2010 Interview with Helen Stephens, Breakfast with Ross Solly
ABC Radio 666
There was a radio interview on ABC666 this morning Helen Stephens (Collector resident). To listen click here
*NEWSFLASH!* - Update 21 June - 666 Radio interview 1:10pm TODAY!
- sorry, replaced with earlier ABC Interview! See new radio interview above
20 June 2010 Public Meeting At The Bridge
There was an excellent turn-out at the Collector Bridge today for the "Collector Calling!" Public Meeting. People came from as far away as Sydney to attend the meeting, their last opportunity to visit the historic structure more...
19 June 2010 Collector Bridge Fight
Canberra Times
Collector residents will hold a public meeting at 1pm tomorrow in a bid to save the towns 130 year old timber bridge. Upper Lachlan Shire Council plans to demolish the bridge and replace it with one made of concrete box culverts more...
18 June 2010 Collector Creek Bridge Closes - Forever?
End of an Era
The 130 year old timber bridge saw it's last car this morning as the Upper Lachlan Shire Council closed it off with the intent on demolishing the deck on Monday - despite the fact that Collector Village has asked them not to. See pics here...
18 June 2010 Closure Not Water Under Bridge
Goulburn Post Article
Collector residents are holding a public meeting this weekend over the 130 year old timber bridge that Upper Lachlan Shire Council plans to demolish. Residents are gathering on Sunday at 1pm at the Collector Creek Bridge more...
*UPDATE* - Update 17 June
Council meeting report from Collector Creek-side resident (22 years) Barbara Bryan
Hi all, here's a quick summary of what happened at the Gunning council meeting today (17 June). I'll do it in point form as best I can remember - if anyone feels it is not accurate, please contact the Collector Voice here and I will receive the message promptly and amend if necessary.- I submitted a copy of the online petition (including comments) and a separate document of comments alone to be circulated. Councillors did read these quite thoroughly
- Mayor Shaw made a long statement denigrating the online petition. He believed that certain persons used it to denigrate Council staff, and that people around Australia should not be commenting on a Collector matter, as they didn't know the bridge. I was given 30 seconds to respond. I thanked him for his comments and replied that since they are publicly elected officials their decisions and processes are open to public comment.
- Council discussed the issue for a approximately 20 minutes. Councillor Coley read out a list of Collector resident questions which were addressed. Roughly, answers were:
- Collector Creek bridge could be repaired if 80% of timbers were replaced. They saw that as too expensive
- Collector Creek bridge could not be repaired or replaced under the Timber Bridge Replacement Scheme (?) as it was not a "regional road". It is being repaired under the "Roads to Recovery" funding scheme. It is possible for funding to be deferred to September 2010. The Burwood Creek bridge ($850,000 budget, to be constructed) was also not part of the Timber Bridge Replacement Scheme
- There could be possible foundation movement issues with current creek-side residences which may move, then settle
- The deck will be taken off and the rest of the demolition will occur if they receive the go-ahead from the (enforced) Heritage report by the NSW Department of Planning (see previous update for details)
- Mayor Shaw also read a resident question, and facilitated general conversation with Councillors - until I asked to speak before they passed the motion. Mayor Shaw then told me I had one minute to speak
- I expressed my concern that we would not be able to get out over the creek in times of flood emergency. Peter Mowle told Councillors that there would be a Council truck made available (somehow, for flash floods in Collector?!) for the 6 months construction of his proposed culvert. He told the Councillors that the water level of his proposed low-level culvert would be the same as the road over the creek in flood. While this did not make sense, nobody seemed game to say so
- Peter Mowle claimed that driving through Collector Creek flowing over a culvert is the same as driving along the road under water. He said that the current at the bridge is slow. I replied that there was a big difference between driving through the middle of the Collector Creek in flood and driving along a water-covered road due to the strong current when Collector Creek was in flood - that logs flowed down, etc.. Mayor Shaw advised that they knew floods better and longer than I did and that I was not to be heard further.
- The Collector Community Association submission asking for the bridge removal plans to be at the least, postponed, was not referred to in any way - they waved the business papers at me (see business papers link here) and said that it had already been discussed. I pointed out that there was no reference to the CCA whatsoever in the papers. They repeated that the issue "had already been addressed"". Council is thus ignoring and not even acknowledging the requests from the Collector Community Association and the Collector and District Historical Association for a stay of action until Collector residents are consulted (Ed.).
- The motion was passed with nothing changed to their current plans, apart from the bridge closure being postponed to tomorrow due to weather safety concerns
Council Business Papers for the meeting tomorrow now available
You can view the Council Business Papers for the meeting tomorrow here: http://upperlachlan.local-e.nsw.gov.au/council/15219/18444.html
*ADDITIONAL NEWSFLASH!* - Update 16 June - 1:15pm
Bridge To Now Close Tomorrow!
Last week, Peter Mowle, Council's Director of Works and Operations advised that the bridge would be closed next Monday 21st June and this news was conveyed to the Collector Community. Today he advised he will be closing it tomorrow. He declined to give any reason.
Peter Mowle further advised that, apart from gates and signs being erected to close the bridge, his workers will start taking off the top deck of the Bridge tomorrow. This is apparently to make sure that no-one uses the Bridge! Coming on top of his false accusation against Collector residents at the last Council meeting of carrying recording devices, one could be forgiven for thinking this is all turning into a James Bond Movie. Council is apparently concerned at the growing level of opposition to their cloak and dagger style of management. So, instead of talking to people about the evidence for their plans, they are determined to get the Bridge down before any more people catch on. Stay tuned for the next instalment!
Heritage Branch of NSW Department of Planning Visited Today
Bill Nethery of NSW Department of Planning with a junior colleague, came unannounced with Council's Peter Mowle to Collector today. Bridge residents Helen Stephens and Barbara Bryan, and later Frank Ross spoke to them. Their visit was apparently in response to a request for an Interim Heritage Order so that the Bridge and its adjacent environment could be independently assessed before the proposed destruction of the bridge, the road and other areas by Council.
As most Collector people know, this part of the town was settled in the late 1820's and has the oldest buildings and built up areas in the strip up to the old General Store. There is also the fact that Governor Macquarie camped by the Creek here and named Lake George. Since Council itself has acknowledged that the town's best tourist asset is its history it is inconsistent that it should wish to deface this historic precinct with a dodgy, dangerous el cheapo culvert.
Bill Nethery has advised he will report his findings to the Upper Lachlan Shire Council, who will then hopefully pass them on to the Collector Community.
*NEWSFLASH* - Update 16 June - 12:00 midday
Workmen put gates on site
In what appears to be a psychic move by Council and despite the fact that the bridge issue will be discussed at the Council meeting tomorrow, this morning gates have been dropped off and a worksite marked out on the south side of Collector Creek Bridge View pics here...
The Online Petition will be handed in tomorrow morning at the Council Meeting in Gunning - please keep signing and passing the link onto your friends and collegues. A first draft of the online petition has been sent to John Bell this morning, shortly before midday, as a back-up
You can view the Council Business Papers for the meeting tomorrow here: http://upperlachlan.local-e.nsw.gov.au/council/15219/18444.html
*NEW* - Update 16 June - Email just in...
"...if Council seek to lower the level of the bridge below the existing bridge height, the risk to Council may be significant.
If the timber bridge is replaced by a concrete culvert which resulted in vehicular access over the creek being prevented by flood waters, Council may be liable for any loss of life or injury. It is the responsibility of Council to ensure that vehicular access is available to all persons on properties (i.e.residences) that have been Council approved. The access to the Federal Highway at the southern end would be cut by flood waters, as the new expressway now acts as a dam wall when a high flood is occurring.
The most recent 2008 Draft LEP by Upper Lachlan Council has indicated that Council will permit subdivision of small rural sites down to 10 hectares to the south of the Village area to the Council southern boundary, therefore if Council approves any dwellings in that area they must ensure vehicular access is possible at all times, especially in flood times.
An example occurred in Cooma Monaro Council in which Council had approved a new subdivision east of the Numeralla River, but at the time of a flood access was not possible over the concrete causeway. A lady living on the flood bound side of the causeway went into labour (pregnant) and Council had to incur the expense of hiring a helicopter to rescue her. As a result council prohibited any future dwellings until they could ensure access in times of flood due to the risk to Council...."
Geoff McInerney
(Collector Voice has obtained permission to reproduce sections of this email)
Additional Note:
Council should provide a bridge to enable vehicular access at all times, especially to potential new dwellings to the south of the creek.
From an historical and heritage point of view, if the current bridge cannot be refurbished, council should consider a replica of the existing timber bridge, in keeping with the Collector Village historic character.
Council may simply be looking at the cheapest cost solution, and a low level concrete causeway may be cheaper than a replacement timber bridge, however this could well be a long-term town liability.
There could be a significant liability risk factor to Council of any persons living near the creek, should the culvert go ahead.
As always, if you would like to add or object to these opinions, please contact us here.
*NEW* - Update 15 June - Ordinary Council Meeting in Gunning on Thursday
Be there!
Collector Voice representative/s will be attending this meeting. During the meeting, Council WILL be discussing the bridge demolition, but so far any indications I have received from councillors are not positive ones. A show of numbers would really help council to make the right decision (stop the demolition for a proper bridge assessment to take place). Please Collector folk, make it to the Council meeting if you can! You can visit the Upper Lachalan Shire Council website here
*NEW* - Update 15 June - A trip around the ULSC new "bridges"
Do a bit of comparison shopping in your own Upper Lachlan Shire more...
Spot the difference - A comparison....
Regional Roads Timber Bridge Program
Information taken from report to the May 2010 Upper Lachlan Shire Council meeting
(RTA fund 50%, ULSC fund 50%)
- Commissioners Creek Bridge $590,000
- Wowagin Creek Bridge $425,000
- Woolshed Creek Bridge $450,000 Total=$1,465,000
*NOTE* All indications are that these are back-road bridges (Is this wrong? If so, Contact Us)
All indications are that these bridges are not surrounded by residences such as Collector Creek (Is this wrong? If so, Contact Us)
Collector Bridge $220,000 (not to be replaced with a larger structure, but a smaller structure - not a bridge but a culvert)
*NOTE* Collector Bridge is a town-entrance bridge, not a back-road bridge
Both Commissioners Creek and Wowagin Creek bridges were
replaced with larger structures
These structures are nearing completion
But wait! There's more...
"Council has also borrowed funds to construct a new bridge over Burwood Creek , which is not a Regional Road and therefore not eligible for funding under this program" (Between Bigga and Binda?)
The amount for Burwood Creek Bridge - $850,000
Did you spot the difference?!
Breaking News - 11 June 2010
Public Meeting at the Collector Creek Bridge - 20 June 2010, 1pm
"Collector Calling" - Speeches - Songs - Food - Fun!
Please print the flyer out and put it on message boards in your workplace, community noticeboards, etc...help spread the word!
You can read the flyer by downloading it here (Word Doc) or request to have a copy emailed to you here
Update - 10 June 2010
Helen Stephens, Collector resident's letter to Councillors
Collector & District Creek culvert proposal and effect on adjacent houses, land and amenity
You can read this letter by downloading it here (Word Doc) or request to have a copy emailed to you here
Update - 9 June 2010
Upper Lachlan Shire Council Bridge Count
Council staff parked next to Collector Creek Bridge today and counted vehicles crossing the bridge. At 4pm, the count was 102
Collector Historical Society letter to Councillors
Collector & District Creek culvert proposal and effect on adjacent houses, land and amenity
You can read this letter by downloading it here (Word Doc) or request to have a copy emailed to you here
Update - 7 June 2010
ABC Radio 666 Interview
There was a radio interview on ABC666 this morning between Frank Ross (Collector Businessman, Resident and Bridge supporter) and Peter Mowle (Works Dept, Upper Lachlan Shire Council), so there is a bit of interest in the matter in Canberra now that it is doing the rounds. I will try to get hold of an interview transcript or sound file, but the summation at the end by Genevieve Jacobs - the presenter - was a good quote (Peter Mowle, after being questioned on how the ULSC would preserve the history of the site, answered that Council would take many photographs of it to keep as records, before it was demolished) -
"I think the people of Collector would prefer the actual bridge instead of photographs of it" - Genevieve Jacobs, ABC 666
*Reminder - Collector Community Association Meeting 7 June 2010, Collector Hall, 7:30pm**NEW* - 6 June 2010 -
Flood Report Review - Frank Ross
On 20 May 2010, Council discussed its plans to replace the Collector Bridge with a low level culvert and to dig up and lower the road for 100 metres either side of it. In response to issues of safety, damage to property, the legal liability of Council and unnecessary damage to the beautiful and historic entrance to the town raised by some residents, Council referred the matter to CFR for advice on whether a low level culvert or high level one is appropriate. This seemed a curious step by Council since more...
Update - 6 June 2010
Collector Community Association Meeting 7 June 2010
Collector Hall, 7:30pm - On the Agenda is the matter of the imminent demolition of the Collector Creek Bridge - interested community members are encouraged to attend!
Upper Lachlan Council Meeting of 20 May
At the Council meeting, Peter Mowles, Manager of Council's Works and Operations gave a presentation on Collector Bridge. His main points, in summary, were that:
- the Bridge needs to be closed within the month due to its dangerous state
- the Bridge's timber foundation components have degenerated beyond the point where they can be economically repaired
- his option of a culvert 5 feet below the level of the present bridge with no guard rails and the road dug up and lowered 100 metres either side of the Bridge is the only viable option. This option includes reducing the creek bed passageway from 45 metres to 7.5 metres and his guarantee that it will not worsen flooding characteristics
- The low level culvert option will take 6 months or more to complete
- Council is making available $225,000 for the Collector Bridge and only his culvert proposal meets the requirements
- The low level culvert would endanger vehicles and persons crossing during flood periods and any accident like this would make Council legally liable
- The culvert proposal totally ignores the 50 years experience of floods Collector pioneers had before the current bridge was originally built in the 1880's and their 130 years experience since then which has proved that the current height is the appropriate one for the Bridge
- The lack of guard rails is an unacceptable safety hazard at any time
- Council had no evidence to back up their assertion that their culvert would not make adjacent residences more vulnerable to flooding
- The low level culvert proposal does not take into account the effect that debris in flood would block up the small cement boxes of the proposed culvert thereby creating a spillway and more flooding, plus endangering cars and pedestrians
- The Council options paper was not designed for consultation since it does not have pagination, an index, a diagram of the proposed culvert or any breakdown of costs
- The culvert proposal did not take into account that this is the main entrance to the town from Canberra and would be an act of vandalism against the present scenic entrance, the heritage of the bridge and its immediate surrounds
- A win-win proposal for the Council was possible by putting in larger box supports for a new structure which will keep the road at the same height and mean the expense of digging up the road on 100 metres either side of the Bridge is not required
- want a low level culvert with all the problems listed above or
- have a bridge at the same height as now and retain the safe and beautiful entrance to our town
Three residents from Collector attended the meeting: Helen Stephens, Barbara Bryan and Frank Ross. They handed in two petitions to Council which objected to the present culvert proposal. One of them was allowed to speak for three minutes. The main points made, in summary, were:
Actions
Council agreed to close the current bridge in June and demolish it. In regard to the culvert proposal it agreed to suspend any decision until June 17 and that a report from consultants be first obtained on the flood characteristics of the present proposed Council culvert structure; or an alternative structure with larger cement boxes which keeps the road at the same height.
What you can do
This coming month is your last opportunity to have your say on whether you:
You can express your concerns direct to Council; or to find out more, contact Helen Stephens, Barbara Bryan or Frank Ross; or come to the next meeting of the Collector Community Association (7 June) with a view to passing on your views on an agreed basis to Council before their next meeting on 17 June.
You can contact us to have a copy of the original Upper Lachlan Shire Council Collector Creek Report (December 2009) emailed to you [Word doc 3.68mb]Further reading: Crookwell Gazette news article - Collector bridge to be closed, replaced
*NEW!* Read the Environmental damage to Collector Creek native fish article here...
...We lost a wonderful old wooden bridge at Jamberoo several years ago
because our suggestion to retain it as a footbridge and put the new,
ugly but utilitarian bridge beside it was not accepted in time. Councils rightly spend large amounts on amenities for residents; surely retention of a beautiful old bridge gives residents and ratepayers and their children a wonderful spot to enjoy the waterways they cross by fishing, playing "Pooh sticks", or peacefully contemplating the running water...
- Carol Dettmann, Neutral Bay, NSW
(Collector Voice received many emails of support, such as the above)
From the Save Collector Creek online petition "What a ridiculous and obviously money saving idea by the council. Stepping back 130 years to the original low level crossing. Having witnessed many large floods and the water entering my Grandparent's nearby home a low level crossing is an unreal decision. The historical value of the bridge is significant, an icon. Part of the original arterial way to the Nation's Capital. Canberra, which is soon to celebrate it's centenary"
Mrs Jennifer Humphries nee Poidevin, Goulburn
Bridge Petition Quotes...
I am a heritage architect and heritage advisor to the ACT Government and Palerang Council. NO action should be taken to destroy the bridge until a proper heritage assessment has been made"
David Hobbes, PHILIP LEESON ARCHITECTS
A trip around the shires water features...
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