CARNARVON HERITAGE GROUP INC

Monthly Newsletter November 2003

November already and 2003 is nearly over. ONE MILE JETTY The work crew have replaced many necessary stringers in the neck of the Jetty. The State Government through the Heritage Council of Western Australia has funded this work. The three pylons donated by Barry & Kaye Scott, Nor-West Seafoods and Carnarvon Lions have arrived and been placed in the Jetty. Plagues of acknowledgement will soon be placed to recognise their contribution. If anyone has been contemplating donating a pylon, it is not too late, there are still 7 pylons that need funding. THE TRAMWAY BRIDGE This work funded by the Western Australian Tourism Commission has now commenced. The necessary railway sleepers have been replaced and the railway line has been adjusted slightly to the north. This will allow for wider access for the public on the southern side of the bridge, while the work train is present. It has been decided to delay the grouting of some of the piles and to completely replace the worst affected ones. We are waiting on more piles from the Geraldton Port Authority for this project. There are massive upgrades happening at the Geraldton Port and we have been informed that when access to these piles is available, we can transport them to Carnarvon at a nominal cost. KORMORAN LIFEBOAT Carnarvon Steel Supplies have now completed the difficult task of bringing the delicate lifeboat back to it's original shape and securing it on a specially made cradle. This cradle is on wheels to allow the lifeboat to be moved without fear of damage. This project has received financial support from the Gascoyne Development Commission under the Regional Investment Fund, an initiative of the Government of Western Australia. In association with the Western Australian Maritime Museum, we are now looking for the availability of an infra red/UV light, to scan the lifeboat for any markings or names. Once this is done it will be sandblasted and treated with fish oil. The lifeboat at present is on display in the Babbage Island Railway Station, why not come down one weekend and see what's happening at the Precinct. THE RIVERMOUTH WALKTRAIL This walktrail has commenced construction after many years of research and comments. 'We'll Do It' are doing a tremendous job and disturbing very little vegetation outside the trail. The trail is not open to the public at present, until works are completed and the Heritage Group would appreciate the public's cooperation in this matter, as this could hamper the construction process and become an added expense. KIOSK HOURS Unfortunately now that tourist numbers have dwindled, the kiosk will only be open on weekends for the months of December, January and February. The Coffee Pot train will continue to go out on the Jetty on the weekends for these months also. THIS WILL BE THE LAST NEWSLETTER FOR 2003. THE CARNARVON HERITAGE GROUP WOULD LIKE TO THANK EVERYONE WHO HAS HELPED OR EVEN COME OUT AND VISITED IN 2003 FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND WOULD LIKE TO WISH EVERYONE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AS WELL AS A HAPPY AND SAFE NEW YEAR. WE'LL BE BACK IN 2004.