Wood you like to learn about the red gum timber industry?

MURRAY River Council has been awarded $30,000 to start work on a project to help tell the story of the timber industry in Mathoura.

The NSW Government’s Heritage Near Me program grant will go towards ‘preserving and promoting the heritage of the red gum timber industry’ through the project developed by council staff in partnership with the community.

Murray River Council mayor Chris Bilkey said this was an important cultural heritage project that will add another significant tourism product to the Mathoura area.

“The Mathoura community is proud of its red gum timber industry heritage so this is a great way to educate the public about the importance of the red gum timber industry and forests,’’ he said.

“The change of the State Forest to National Park a few years ago highlighted the need to preserve, celebrate and communicate the story of the timber industry, which has played such a significant role in this region’s development.’’

The project will include: ■ Design and installation of a Timber Heritage Timeline walk; ■ Design and printing of the Timber Heritage Timeline brochure; ■ Potential display of various tools and equipment used throughout the years in the red gum timber industry; ■ Design and set up of the Timber Heritage website resource; ■ Production of a short video, including oral histories and footage of the forest and relevant tools and equipment; and ■ Promotional activities and tools to raise awareness of the project. As per funding guidelines, the project will be completed by May, 2019.