Bellbird Creek Bridge - Princes Highway, near Eden.

Current status*:	Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register; but not currently included on Schedule 5 of the Bega Valley Shire Council’s Local Environment Plan.
Name of item:	Bellbird Creek Bridge.
Former name/s:	RTA Bridge Number 6000
Item type:	Built
Item group/collection:	Transport - Land
Item category:	Road Bridge
Street number:
Street name:	Princes Highway (4.63 km north of Eden)
Suburb/town:	Eden
Local Government Area:	Bega Valley Shire
Property description:	(Lat: 37° 01' 30"S Long: 149° 54' 25"E)
Owner category:	State Government
Current use:	Bridge
Former use/s:	Bridge

* Refers to the site's inclusion in Schedule 5 of the Local Environment Plan.

Significance:

Statement of significance: This bridge is a minor component of the historically significant route of the Princes Highway. It is a simple functional structure constructed, as were many others, in the 1930s by the Department of Main Roads (DMR) as part of the State Highways improvement programme aimed at bringing the State's roads up to a standard suited to motor vehicle traffic, a programme which as a whole was a significant activity in the State's cultural history. The bridge is of a highly unusual design and has some social significance as its construction was energetically sought by the community.

Level of significance:

Local

Description:

Designer:	Main Roads Board
Builder:	Messrs Denhlom and Davison
Physical description:	The bridge spans a stream at the bottom of a steep valley which remains heavily wooded, with bellbirds still a dominant sound. The structure is a single span reinforced concrete bridge consisting of a slab which chamfers twice to join with the vertical abutment walls, effectively creating an arch. The roadway fill runs across the structure to a depth of approximately 1 m, with stone pitching to retain it. The bridge has been widened in similar form to the existing, giving increased width on the upstream side. This widening is not topped by stone pitching. Guardrail runs in the fill across both sides of the bridge, and the close growth makes its existence almost unnoticeable.
Physical condition:	In 2003 the structure was described as being in in good condition “…although there is some abutment fill on the downstream side which appears to have moved towards the waterway, but without constricting it. Approximately 30 m downstream of the existing bridge there are stone mounds which may have formed part of the approaches to the previous wooden culvert.”
Construction date/s:	1934
Modifications and dates:	Widened in 1979.
Further comments:

 

History:

Historical notes: A road route linking the settlements on the south coast of New South Wales between Wollongong and Eden was well established by the mid-nineteenth century, appearing on an 1858 Post Office Department map of postal roads. (DMR, 1976, p. 37) The approximate route of the current Princes Highway was declared the 'Main South Coast Road' through the Local Government Extension Act of 1906. An 'opening' and naming of the Princes Highway took place at Bulli in 1920. (DMR 1976, pp. 64 and map opposite) Between 1932 and 1939 the Princes Highway between Sydney and Batemans Bay (174 miles) had been completely reconstructed and surfaced in bituminous macadam. Work on the section between Batemans Bay and the Victorian border, including around Moruya, was well underway by 1939, but not yet complete. Several extensive deviations had been constructed, adding 35 miles of completely new road and many new concrete bridges (as many as 22 concrete bridges between Nowra and Batemans Bay). (DMR 1976, p. 160-1) It was in this context that the bridge over Bellbird Creek was constructed in 1934. This bridge was one of more than 1,000 bridges built by the DMR between 1925 and 1940, a period in which their engineers were adapting existing standards of bridge design to meet the requirements of improved motor vehicle performance - they were generally wider than previously with an improved load capacity. The principal types of bridges constructed in this period were: concrete slab; reinforced concrete beam; steel truss on concrete piers; and timber beam bridges. (DMR, 1976, pp.169) Concrete was favoured in many instances because it was perceived to be a low maintenance material. In July 1933 a move was made by the Eden Advancement Committee for the renewal of the culvert of Bellbird Creek. The culvert had been swept away by a flood sometime previously and it was suggested that action be taken to remedy the situation, as the crossing was proving very troublesome to the mail and other cars, and if much rain fell they would be isolated. A Main Roads Board official had stated the previous year that it was the worst hill between Sydney and the border, with the exception of Bulli Pass. In September 1933 the bridge remained unrepaired and many tourists complained about the delay in commencing construction of a bridge at Bellbird Creek. (Bega Valley Historical Society, RTA File 1/32.1202) Searches of the Eden Magnet by the Bega Valley Historical Society indicate a high level of community concern about the crossing between July 1933 and July 1934, and much relief following the completion of this small bridge and others that had been damaged during the same period of flooding. In December 1933 tenders were invited for the construction of a reinforced concrete bridge and paved earthwork approaches to Bellbird Creek near Eden and in January 1934 it was reported that Messrs Denholm and Davison had secured the contract and were arriving during the week to commence work. In June 1934 final touches were being given to Bellbird Creek Bridge and approaches by Messrs Denholm and Davison. In July 1934 it was reported that the replacement of the old flood-destroyed wooden culvert at Bellbird Creek near Eden, with a modern reinforced concrete structure, had removed one bugbear to travellers on the road. (Bega Valley Historical Society)

 Themes:

Australian theme:	New South Wales theme:	Local theme:
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements

Application criteria:

Historical significance SHR criteria (a)	The limited historical significance of the bridge over Bellbird Creek is related to its role as a minor component of the historically significant route of the Princes Highway. It is a product of the general upgrading of the road system that took place in NSW in the mid-twentieth century when more than 1,000 bridges were upgraded to cope with increased vehicular traffic on NSW roads.
Aesthetic significance SHR criteria (c)	Modest, although the multiple chamfers are suggestive of an arch.
Social  significance SHR criteria (d)	Correspondence to the Eden Magnet for the year July 1933 to July 1934, indicates a high level of community concern about the crossing and much relief following the completion of this small bridge and others that had been damaged during the same period of flooding.
Rarity SHR criteria (f)	No exact equivalent in New South Wales. Guthries Creek, Charlottes Pass (RTA Bridge No. 6206) is similar but with only one chamfer per side.
Representativeness SHR criteria (g)	Representative of modest crossing of the period.
Integrity:	Moderate, widened in like style to original.

Heritage Listings:

Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register

 Information sources / bibliography :

RTA General File 1/32.1202 Eden Magnet The Roadmakers, Department of Main Roads, 1976

Author and date:

All information taken from NSW State Government listing, database No. 4309550

http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4309550

Bicentenary pioneer memorial plaques and trees - various sites, Eden.

These plaques and tree plantings were undertaken as part of Eden's bicentenary Australia Day commemorations in 1988.  Three trees were planted and associated plaques unveiled near the town's scout hall by scouts to commemorate early local European pioneers Sir Oswald Brierly, S. and H. Solomon and Thomas Raine. Trees were also planted and plaques unveiled in Wellings Park to remember Charles and Martha Kebby; James and Robert Allen; and Patrick Whelan. As further information becomes available, this page will be updated.

Remains of William Moutry's cottage - southern side of Twofold Bay, Eden.

William Moutry was engaged by Benjamin Boyd in April 1847 to act as superintendent on various works at twofold Bay. his included completion of the Seahorse Inn at Boydtown which had begun ealy in 1845 and continued over a period of more than five years. Moutry arrived in the area from Sydney the same year.

 

He quickly moved to have his own residence constructed, selecting a site that is considered to have been one of the finest around the bay. In addition to his house and two brick-lined wells, Moutry had a summer-house, two servant's buildings and a fowl house constructed on the site.

 

There is much conjecture surrounding the activities of Moutry and the building of his residence. The site was remote from Boydtown and distracted attention and funds from the task he was given by Boyd. Although his duties included looking out for his employer's interests, Moutry debited other local works in an attempt to cover up the expenditure incurred by works on his own residence.

 

Although his house is no long extant, archaeological evidence remains, including remnants of the underground foundation brickworks. As further information becomes available, this page will be updates.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Boyd's Tower fish fossils - Red Point / South Head, Eden.

The largest known Devonian bony fish was collected from near Boyd's Tower in 2008. Replica casts of the fossils are exhibited in the Eden Killer Whale Museum. Further information will be posted here as it is researched.

Indigenous midden - between about Pambula River / Severs' Beach to beyond Haycock, Ben Boyd National Park.

The Pambula River and Lake were a focus of activity by the local Aboriginal peoples. M. E. Sullivan's test excavations on shell mounds on the shores of Pambula Lake generated radio carbon dates indicating that the site had been in use for more than 3,000 years. The midden deposits contained shell (mainly mud oyster and mussel); fish bones; and the bones of kangaroos, wallabies, potoroos and tree-dwelling marsupials; as well as flaked stone artefacts. Further information will be posted here as it is researched.

Yambulla gold fields - Yambulla State Forest.

Gold discovered on the Timbillica River about three km west of what became the Yambulla gold fields by W. Lang in 1891. By 1896, five claims were on payable gold working the Timbillica Reefs.

N. and J. Jensen reported payable gold at Yambulla on 14 December, 1899. By the end of the year about ten claims were on payable gold at the headwaters of the Wallagaraugh River, 65 km south west of Eden.

Gold was mainly obtained from reef mining, with small amount from alluvial mining. The number of miners peaked at about 200 and as their families moved onto the field, cottages were erected and a school established. A sawmill, established on the Wallagaraugh River to supply the timber needed for the mines and associated settlement, was powered by a water wheel in winter and steam during the summer. A hotel, the Federal, was built entirely of galvanised iron. It operated between 1901 and about 1913. There was also a bakery and general store. A small cemetery on the hillside opposite the main settlement saw less than half a dozen burials.

Production at Yambulla was never spectacular and by 1917, mining had practically ceased, although small scale prospecting did resume briefly during the 1930s. Although many of the buildings were relocated, remnants of the field remain on site.

 

It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Bass and Flinder Memorial - Snug Cove, Eden.

Erected by the Eden Killer Whale Museum 10 October, 1998 to commemorate the bicentenary of the landing of Lieutenant Matthew Flinders and George Bass on 10 October, 1798. Also a plaque commemorating the reinactment of George Bass' Norfolk voyage by Bern Cuthbertson. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Char-Ree-Leera - K. B. Timms Drive, Eden.

Originally built around 1966/67 by Eden builders Whiter Brothers for Ken Timms, who also designed the building himself. Construction took approximately 18 months to complete. Among its features was a dishwasher imported from Fridgadaire in the USA which was reportedly the second ever in Australia. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Morton Bay fig tree - Imlay Street, Eden.

This was one of five Morton Bay figs (Ficus Macrophylla) planted along Imlay Street in 1906 to mark the occasion of Imlay Shire Council's first meeting. Although the others were cut down, this tree was moved to its present site on the edge of the Eden Public School grounds to preserve it. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when more information is available.

National Timber Workers' Memorial - Wellings Park, Mitchell Street, Eden.

A memorial wall featuring individual brass plaques recording the names of timber workers fatally injured while working in the industry; as well as four bas reliefs depicting timber industry work practices. The memorial incorporates as its centrepiece a life size statue "Hand of Fate" by renowned Australian sculptor Rix Wright. Depicting a timber worker giving assistance to his injured mate, it symbolises the mateship and compassion of the our bush workers.

The pergolas and entrance were constructed from timbers salvaged from both the old Tarraganda Bridge and another in Victoria. Written information about the history of the industry in the Eden district is displayed on bollards, along with a poem by Mrs. Gillian Munday, whose son was fatally injured while working in the bush.

It was following the loss of Geoffrey Munday in a tree-felling accident in 2001 that the memorial project was conceived. After the axemen's association called a public meeting, an Eden community-based steering committee was formed in 2002.

Construction of the National Timber Workers Memorial was supported by the Australian Federal Government as well as by many local businesses and community members, volunteers and the families of those lost. It was officially dedicated on 7 June, 2008. As of 2013, there were 122 plaques representing timber workers from Queensland through to Tasmania.

Seamen's Memorial Wall and Garden - Rotary Park, Bramble Street, Eden.

Erected as a memorial to all seamen who have sailed from the port of Eden that have been lost at sea and never recovered. The wall was constructed following the loss of the trawler Shiralee with all hands on 10 August, 1978. Twenty four names are displayed on plaques on the wall and in the nearby circular garden. The earliest is that of 22-year-old Norwegian Peter Lia, reputedly the only whaler to have been killed during the century of whaling at Twofold Bay. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Flag mast - Imlay Street, Eden.

The flag mast in Imlay Street, Eden was originally erected at the Eden Pilot Station and harbour master's quarters on the cliff top of the Lookout in 1861. When the building was demolished in the early 1970s, the mast was dismantled and then moved to its present location. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

 

Weatherboard house - Chandos Street, Eden.

While the exact history of this house is presently unknown, it is one of several examples of weatherboard houses in the Eden township. It probably dates from the Victorian era. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Weatherboard cottage - Chandos Street, Eden.

While the exact history of this house is presently unknown, it is one of several examples of weatherboard houses in the Eden township. It may date from the Victorian era. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Brick cottage - Chandos Street, Eden.

The exact history of this house is presently unknown, but it probably dates from the Federation era (C. 1900). It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Weatherboard house - Chandos Street, Eden.

While the exact history of this house is presently unknown, it is one of several examples of weatherboard houses in the Eden township. It probably dates from the Victorian era and has recently undergone extensive restoration and conservation work. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Vertical weatherboard cottage - Princes Highway, Eden.

While the exact history of this house is presently unknown, it is one of several examples of weatherboard houses in the Eden township, although what makes this unusual is that the boards are vertical rather than horizontal. It probably dates from the Victorian era. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Weatherboard house - Calle Calle Street, Eden.

While the exact history of this house is presently unknown, it is one of several examples of weatherboard houses in the Eden township. It probably dates from the Victorian era and is believed to have formerly been the home of local fisherman and Eden - Gabo mail boat operator Eden Cole. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Weatherboard house - Imlay Street, Eden.

While the exact history of this house is presently unknown, it is one of several examples of weatherboard houses in the Eden township. It probably dates from the Victorian era and although the verandah has been enclosed, it appears to retain original features. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

Weatherboard cottage - Flinders Street, Eden.

While the exact history of this house is presently unknown, it is one of several examples of weatherboard houses in the Eden township. It probably dates from the Victorian era. It is currently the focus of research and this page will be updated when further information is available.

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