Albury's Waterwheel Ground to a Halt

Albury Council is set to decide the fate of the defunct water-wheel feature in Australia Park. We know already that Crs Angus, Betteridge, Glachan and Hull support a new 'Public Art' use being made of the site, maybe including the rusting old metal. We know that Crs Gould and Sawyer think the wheel should be retained [and presumably repaired and properly re-installed for a cost of considerably more than $35,000]. Seems likely they lose, though we have yet to see a decision by Crs Duncan-Strelec, van de Ven and Wareham.

I always wondered how the mysterious water wheel was allowed to continue as it was. Picturesque and evocative - yes; potential health and public safety risk - yes.

The debate took about 17 minutes and was with feeling. It veered into the Uiver, the Cumberoona and I do not recall what else. Finally the stance of the report prevailed.

The fact that considerable consultation took place [especially since it included the Historical Society] seems to me to settle the issue - unless councillors are going to rescind their 2009 decision.

Public contribution is significant and deserves respect. Nevertheless I do not support unqualified saving of residual old stuff, but certainly believe that photographs, diagrams and site markers are of lasting value. I dare say the Historical Society has an important view on this.

I would like to see a readily accessible and searchable register of pioneers and items of pioneering and other significance in the border area, with sites marked by permanent cast plaques and mapping linked to the entries. Perhaps it already exists and I have not located it?

'Heritage' - who can afford it?