Save Djerriwarrh Creek and Bridge, Melton/Bacchus Marsh
Save Djerriwarrh Creek and Bridge, Melton/Bacchus Marsh
The issue
A historic local landmark, just off the Old Western Highway on the border of Melton and Moorabool, has become a “forgotten site” that’s overgrown, and littered with waste and even abandoned cars
The sandstone bridge with its distinctive single-arch was built in the 1850s and was an important link between Melbourne and Ballarat in the Gold Rush era.
There is so much history relating to the historical bridge and surrounding site.
Did you know:
▪︎First Nations peoples. The major cultural importance of the entire area.
▪︎Botanical and ecological significance. The unique flora and fascinating ecosystem. Including the ‘Melton Mallee’. The habitat for diverse species of birds. The orchards along the creek following the gold rushes. Geological significance.
▪︎The geological layers that make the area so intriguing. The various geological surveys in the locality. Great for viewing the bedrocks, too, including ancient Paleozoic rocks, beneath the later lava flows and resulting volcanic plains.
▪︎European history, including a hotel following the bridge's construction, the original bullock track, first farming settlements, the toll gate built in 1861, the Djerriwarrh School opened in 1867 (and a new school completed in 1875 for up to sixty children), etc.
▪︎The Djerriwarrh area's role as a "farmers common”, as it was once described, and as a special picnic spot for generations of families. There was a great swimming hole further upstream from the bridge.
▪︎Constructed using locally used sandstone, that was quarried onsite.
Our Community group is trying to get key stakeholders to come together with us, and restore and preserve this site. Hopefully get it listed with Parks Victoria.
Melbourne Water is responsible for the stream beneath the bridge. (And have been very cooperative).
The bridge and surrounding area is owned by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
The bridge and site fall within Melton Council shire.
The site is on the lands of the Wurundjeri.
Please sign this petition, join our group to show support, and share, share share. Thank you.
Our group has recent photos showing the despair.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/286290907201908/?ref=share_group_link
1,062
The issue
A historic local landmark, just off the Old Western Highway on the border of Melton and Moorabool, has become a “forgotten site” that’s overgrown, and littered with waste and even abandoned cars
The sandstone bridge with its distinctive single-arch was built in the 1850s and was an important link between Melbourne and Ballarat in the Gold Rush era.
There is so much history relating to the historical bridge and surrounding site.
Did you know:
▪︎First Nations peoples. The major cultural importance of the entire area.
▪︎Botanical and ecological significance. The unique flora and fascinating ecosystem. Including the ‘Melton Mallee’. The habitat for diverse species of birds. The orchards along the creek following the gold rushes. Geological significance.
▪︎The geological layers that make the area so intriguing. The various geological surveys in the locality. Great for viewing the bedrocks, too, including ancient Paleozoic rocks, beneath the later lava flows and resulting volcanic plains.
▪︎European history, including a hotel following the bridge's construction, the original bullock track, first farming settlements, the toll gate built in 1861, the Djerriwarrh School opened in 1867 (and a new school completed in 1875 for up to sixty children), etc.
▪︎The Djerriwarrh area's role as a "farmers common”, as it was once described, and as a special picnic spot for generations of families. There was a great swimming hole further upstream from the bridge.
▪︎Constructed using locally used sandstone, that was quarried onsite.
Our Community group is trying to get key stakeholders to come together with us, and restore and preserve this site. Hopefully get it listed with Parks Victoria.
Melbourne Water is responsible for the stream beneath the bridge. (And have been very cooperative).
The bridge and surrounding area is owned by the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP).
The bridge and site fall within Melton Council shire.
The site is on the lands of the Wurundjeri.
Please sign this petition, join our group to show support, and share, share share. Thank you.
Our group has recent photos showing the despair.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/286290907201908/?ref=share_group_link
1,062
The Decision Makers
Petition Updates
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Petition created on 11 February 2024