Railway Permanetly Protected

PETER CHANDLER MLA I MINISTER LANDS, PLANNING AND ENVIRONMENT
WILLEM WESTRA VAN HOLTHE MLA I MEMBER FOR KATHERINE

A 90 year old section of the North Australian Railway (NAR) including a trestle bridge in Katherine, have been permanently protected under the Heritage Act.

The decision come after remnants of the NAR in near-by Pine Creek were declared earlier this year.

Minister for Lands, Planning and the Environment Peter Chandler said it’s important to maintain a connection to our history.

“The NAR was such a significant part of the Territory’s history but also our early economy,” Mr Chandler said.

“Without the railway we wouldn’t have seen the rapid development of the Top End’s mining and cattle industry which we all benefit from today.

“With ANZAC Day fast approaching it’s also timely to recognise how the NAR assisted in WWII, transporting troops and defence equipment that helped defend Darwin in it’s our of need.”

Member for Katherine Willem Westra van Holthe said the heritage site was important to the local area as the community appreciated the history it brought to the town and the memories which surrounded it.

"Last year I worked hard to prevent the rail corridor from being consumed by the new bicycle path and I'm pleased that this part of our history is now fully protected," Mr Westra van Holthe said.

“This railway will forever be a part of our town and is what Katherine was built around – I am extremely pleased that this section of the NAR, and the trestle bridge, is now heritage listed.

“Well done to all involved in achieving this significant feat.”

Source: ProjectLink.com.au

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