Prominent local historians fear parts of Ballarat’s rich and important railway history will disappear due to ongoing neglect and “confused responsibility”.
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Despite these fears and a supposed commitment to repairing vandalism, V/Line has confirmed it has no plans to restore a vandalised heritage listed signal box in a prominent Lydiard Street location.
Debate has erupted over the condition of a number heritage listed signal boxes dotted along the Ballarat Railway Precinct which is heritage listed and recognised as one of the best remaining examples of British Colonial Architecture.
The Lydiard Street box has stood graffitied and vandalised for a number of years – angering members of the Ballarat Historical Society. National Trust Member Dianne Gow, labelled the state of the boxes a disgrace.
Responsibility of signal boxes is shared by V/Line and Vic-Track – with VicTrack responsible for the ongoing maintenance of boxes at Mair and Humffray streets.
The Courier understands Ballarat City Council’s hands are tied when it comes to repair work and despite council requests, no work has been carried out in years at Lydiard Street. Mayor Des Hudson encouraged V/Line to remove graffiti from the boxes which in turn would dissuade other vandals from frequenting the area.
National Trust member Dinah McCance said “confused responsibility” was part of the problem because it ultimately meant “no-one was taking responsibility and the public was not able to (easily) obtain information on who maintained which buildings”.
Ms Gow said if the issue was not addressed “the best example of 19th century railway in Australia (would be) slowly eaten away bit by bit”.
Provincial Hotel owner Darren Fraser, who spent millions renovating the once dilapidated hotel opposite the signal box, expressed concern the box had not been repaired in many years.
“Works have been done around the station to beautify the streetscape – it’s a shame that V/Line hasn’t thought to do the same to this (the signal box),” Mr Fraser said.
VicTrack spokesman Jason Murray confirmed it had spent more than $165,000 to restore its signal boxes and had plans to carry out major works on the Mair Street box, including installing steel grates to deter squatters.
Spokeswoman Catalina Filip said V/Line continued the upkeep of the disused signal box located on Lydiard Street near Ballarat Railway Station, with crews attending to any damage inflicted on the building.
Despite smashed windows, graffiti and general damage currently visible on the building Ms Filip said there were no plans to amend any damage.