A 140-page draft heritage study of the village of Wallendbeen is on display for public comment for the next two weeks.
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Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council is inviting submissions arising from the draft, available at the council's office and also online at the council's website. Submissions will close on 13 March.
The study, by Canberra staff from consultancy firm NGH Environmental, was commissioned by council as part of the future plans for the Wallendbeen village, King Street revitalisation and heritage of the village.
It is intended to supplement the Wallendbeen village strategy, a draft of which was released in 2017.
At council's direction, the consultants analysed 15 locally-listed heritage sites in the village, assessing their condition and links to the village's history, in particular its military history.
The 15 sites are: Connaughtman’s Creek; a Federation period brick house in George Street; Mackay Park; the Memorial Hall, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church, the railway station, underbridge and subway, a slab cottage in Watson Street, St Columbia’s Catholic Church, the Cemetery, Wallendbeen Conservation Area, the public school, cottage and bell, Wallendoon Homestead and the War Memorial Obelisk.
The study identifies development potential for the area and development protection for areas of heritage value.
As part of the overall Wallendbeen village strategy, CGRC was awarded a grant of $95,000 from the NSW State Government’s, Heritage Near Me Program and $55,000 from the Stronger Country Communities Round two program to implement the revitalisation plans.
Wallendbeen has a significant military history, and the community requested that the heritage conservation area be revitalised along a military service theme.
The service theme originates with locally-raised Major General Kenneth MacKay who formed the First Australian Horse unit.
This volunteer militia unit saw combat in the Boer War and precedes the Australian Light Horse Regiment.
The impact of military service on Wallendbeen during WWI was great. Ninety men enlisted and 18 died during service.
CGRC Mayor Abb McAlister encouraged all members of the community to take a look at the study.
“I hope members of the community take the time to look over the study, and make submissions or comments on the contents and recommendations.
"This study takes us a step closer to realising the Wallendbeen village strategy and being able to implement the projects that will see Wallendbeen recognised for its military history and the great place it is,” Cr McAlister said.
