Barwon Heads Bridge Land within 10m of bridge

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The Barwon Heads/Ocean Grove bridge, designed by Mr. D. Darwin for the Country Roads Board CRB and completed in 1927, has a considerable amount of the original fabric remaining but there have been some modifications due to weathering and safety requirements.

This place has aesthetic, scientific, historic and social value to the state and region of Greater Geelong. The bridge demonstrates important visual qualities linking the two areas of land over the river with the estuary on one side and the ocean on the other. The impressive wooden construction illustrates the technical process of bridge construction of the 1920s and at over 300 metres in length it is one of the longest timber road bridges in Victoria. Historically the bridge was part of an important tourist initiative of the 1920s as the CRB responded to the large increase in vehicle registrations and is recognised by the community as having public value as the only physical connecting link between Barwon Heads and Ocean Grove and is a significant component of the heritage of the area.

It is of STATE cultural significance

Additional Information.

The National Trust of Australia Vic is currently undertaking a survey of timber bridges in Victoria. The report is due to be completed in 1996. Project Manager David Maloney has given the study verbal confirmation that the Barwon Heads/Ocean Grove Bridge is one of the longest timber road bridges in Victoria. The Geelong Harbour Trust was the authority responsible for the bridge when it was built.

The GHT Annual Report c1930 records concerns that there were no speed limits on the bridge because it was not under the Road Authority. The bridge passed out of the control of the GHT in 1933 when the Act was reformed. Chris Gordon This photograph shows the five pile construction and the pipeline which spans the bridge. .

References

1. Wynd,. Ballawein a history of the Shire of Bellarine, p.1 44.

2. Priestley,S. The Victorians Making Their Mark, p.171.

3. Geelong Historical Record Centre GHRC, Barwon Bridge file.

4. Peter Alsop, Geelong Historical Society, pers. comm.

5. GHRC and David Maloney, National Trust of Australia Vic per.comm. See additional information

6. Townsend, A. The Friendly Shores

7. Peter Alsop, GHS

Group

Transport - Road

Category

Road Bridge