Another piece of Echuca's history to be restored

14 September 2018 - Media release

Campaspe Shire Council is pursuing funding options to support the refurbishment of the log slip and winch within Echuca’s Port Precinct.

Mayor Cr Adrian Weston said the log slip and winch is a rare and unusual piece of river trade history in the story of Echuca and the Murray River red gum timber industry. The original log slip was located on the site just north of the Port of Echuca Discovery Centre and serviced the Evans Brothers Sawmill, which used to be located where the Discovery Centre steam display is now.

“It’s one of the oldest original pieces of equipment still surviving relating to the twentieth century red gum milling industry,” Cr Weston said.

“Plans are in place to reinstate the original log skid and attach to the restored log winch to provide a simulation of a working exhibit in its original location.”

Key to this project was to secure large lengths of red gum timber to add to the overall authenticity of the log slip and winch. To support this, council staff have been actively working with the Major Road Projects Authority, involved in constructing the Echuca Moama second bridge project. Stage 2 of the project, construction and widening of Warren Street, has recently seen a number of trees removed along Warren Street.

“I am pleased to confirm that the Major Road Projects Authority has now approved providing up to 20 large red gum logs to council for use within the log slip and winch exhibit,” the Mayor added.

“This morning the red gum logs have been moved to the northern end of the port and stored, ready for when the refurbishment project proceeds.”

While council is waiting for suitable grant funding to be secured, the logs will be displayed outlining the story of the log slip and winch.