Historic carriage collection relocation to old goods railway shed ramps up with petition

A PETITION to save the incredible historic carriage collection presently housed at Billson's Brewery is well underway. Beechworth History and Heritage Society (BHHS), the Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club with a number of local community members remain frustrated at Indigo Shire's inaction for the relocation of the 22 historic carriages kept at the brewery as time is running out to find a suitable home with the lease expiring in November. Old Cranks Motor Club member Leigh Privett said other interested parties outside Beechworth could be ready to grab the collection which community would then lose. "We don't want that to happen," he said. BHHS and the Old Cranks Motor Club with more than 90 members consider the most logical place for the valued collection to be on display is the renovated old railway goods shed in Harper Avenue adjacent to the old railway station. Ms Mason said Indigo Shire Council outlaid around $750,000 three years ago to refurbish the shed with commercial tenants sought since then but the shed has remained vacant. "We've been dealing with the National Trust and Indigo Shire Council trying to collaborate but still nothing has been decided," she said. Ms Mason said around two years ago, BHHS had met with the National Trust's carriage manager Annette Shield on site. "We showed how this could be a fantastic heritage attraction incorporating the whole transport history not just the carriages adding to our already incredible tourism scene in Beechworth," she said. The O&M Advertiser reported in April this year that National Trust of Australia (Victoria) chief executive officer Simon Ambrose said the trust encouraged support from council in providing an ongoing home for the carriage collection as well as a plan for its continued preservation. Mr Ambrose had said the National Trust actively supported the preservation and management of the carriage collection on loan to Beechworth for more than 35 years where they looked forward to working with council and local community members. Not disputing the need for a commercial tenant, Ms Mason said the display could be integrated into a commercial venture such as a café or with a tourist operation that council is seeking. "We're not wanting to run the collection as a static display by volunteers and our request is in line with what is being sought," she said. "We believe that with the help of a tourism grant the shed could run as a tourist attraction with great appeal." "As a commercial tourist attraction, it will also create jobs. "The venue is in a prime position within walking distance from the town's centre where tourists and the community will be able to view them." "The petition has been organised by the Old Cranks Motor Club with supported from BHHS and with the voice of the community we'd like to see Indigo Shire Council become supportive," Ms Mason said. The petition can be signed online at https://chng.it/kBqSzktvtB or in person at 'The Finer Things in Life' shop, 16 Camp Street, Beechworth during business hours. Ms Mason said the petition will be presented to council in due course. Information about the carriages can be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/2195019013980625.

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