Member for Tamworth and Shadow Minister for Heritage Kevin Anderson has welcomed the news that the Heritage Council of NSW has agreed to consider listing the Manilla Railway Viaduct and Underbridge on the State Heritage Register (SHR).

Mr Anderson said this would be a critical next step in ensuring that the historic viaduct is maintained and preserved for generations to come.

“The Manilla Viaduct is a historic timber rail structure, built in 1908 and I’ve been firm in my position that it needs to be maintained due to its significance to the Manilla community and the history of rail across NSW,” Mr Anderson said.

“I’ve been working with Save the Manilla Viaduct committee led by Ian Bignall to ensure the viaduct is not lost and as the newly appointed Shadow Minister for heritage, I've been looking forward to ensuring the Viaduct was at the top of the list when it comes to preserving our state’s proud rail history.

“Significant work has been undertaken behind the scenes to assess the viability of maintaining the structure and last year, I wrote to the Minister for Environment and Heritage seeking his advice on getting the structure listed on the State Heritage Register.

"A huge thank you must also go to the Manilla Historical Society who have been working hard behind the scenes to submit an application to the Heritage Council of NSW.

“I’m thrilled that the Heritage Council will now consider listing the structure, which if successful, would give it greater protections under the Heritage Act.”

The Heritage Council of NSW opened the public submission period on 9 May 2023, inviting members of the community, owners, managers, organisations, and other interested parties are invited to make a written submission regarding the proposed listing and significance of the Manilla Railway Viaduct and Underbridge to the below postal address.

Heritage Council of NSW

Locked Bag 5020

PARRAMATTA NSW 2124

heritagemailbox@environment.nsw.gov.au

Once the Heritage Council of NSW has collated all the responses from stakeholders, they will make a recommendation to the Minister.

“This is an exciting next step in our fight to save the Manilla Viaduct and I am calling on the community to make a submission before the deadline on June 5,” Mr Anderson added.