By Molly Magennis
Maribyrnong Council are seeking community engagement to create a new heritage vision for the municipality, asking residents to give their feedback on what they think needs to be protected heading into the future.
Any heritage related work has been guided by Maribyrnong’s Heritage Plan which was originally published in 2002.
Now 20 years later the council is looking to update the plan, starting with an Issues and Opportunities Paper that will be put in front of council for consideration.
Residents will be able to learn all about the municipality’s heritage through the council’s online Heritage Hub, where they can also sign up for free events such as a guided walking tour of Jack’s Magazine.
Located on Crown Land on the banks of the Maribyrnong River, Jack’s Magazine is a former explosives storage facility on the banks of Maribyrnong River.
Working Heritage, who manage heritage buildings on behalf of the state government, runs regular monthly tours throughout the site.
Cultural and heritage advisor Kieran Davies said these types of buildings were surrounded by earth mounds to assist in case an explosion occurred.
“If there were any explosions, you wouldn’t have the blue stone bricks from the buildings flying out around the place and you]d be able] to try and contain some of that explosion,” he said.
“It’s quite inspiring to see a site like that and to know that it was constructed using horse pulleys and construction with hand. It’s an amazing feat of engineering.”
In partnership with the council, Working Heritage will be hosting two free walking tours this May.
To have your say on the future of Maribyrnong’s heritage or to register for a free walking tour visit www.yourcityyourvoice.com.au/heritage.
