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kellycountry2000
Forum Admin
Australia
440 Posts
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 Posted - 07/02/2009 :
12:24:10 PM 
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To All
That has an interest in preserving the Stringy Bark Creek
Reserve, in its natural state.
WE must stop any further DSE destructive work NOW!
What the DSE is doing there is nothing more than the rape of a
significant national site of historical importance.
The destructive current works at the Stingy Bark Creek Police
reserve and the site of the 1878 police camp where two police
officers were killed must be stopped and the site left in its
natural state.
For some stupid reason the original dirt track leading from the
reserve to the Kelly tree has being bypassed and a new track
bulldozed through the natural bush and covered with crushed
rock, this new track was totally unnecessary and is a disgrace
and should be removed.
It appears from the current track clearing with a Bobcat, and
survey pegs, that the crushed rock track may continue all the
way to the site of the Police camp, were it appears from the
trees cut down and from the rock materials left there that some
totally unacceptable structure will be built on the area where
the two policemen were killed, already construction has started
on a large stone structure in the middle of the Police reserve
and should be removed.
I am currently drafting letters to the Police Commissioner, The
Victorian Premier, The National Trust, The Royal Historical
Society, and the DSE who are doing the work and DSE need to be
shamed into stopping this historical site destruction.
I urge all people who want to see the works stopped on the
reserve and what works that have taken place so far removed,
also write to the above interested parties.
It already appears from some feedback from DSE, that they
consider anybody interested in preserving the site in its
natural state are “insignificant”, we need to band together and
show them we mean business.
KC2000 |
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nearly ned
Advanced Member
Australia
77 Posts
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Posted - 07/02/2009 :
1:31:27 PM
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Are they following in the
foot steps of Wangaratta city council at Glenrowan with the
"beautification works"?
This like Beechworeth Gaol are NATIONAL Hertitage sites and
should be protected as such.
Add my name to any action to protect and preserve this important
site.
Michael Beattie
(Nearly Ned) |
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Joe.D
Advanced Member
Australia
383 Posts
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Posted - 07/02/2009 : 1:59:55 PM
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So much for preserving
history........make room for progress.....NO THANKS!!
ALL FOR ONE, ONE FOR ALL........COUNT ME IN
We can't afford another Glenrowan!!
Joe.D |
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robert mcgarrigle
Advanced Member
Australia
71 Posts
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Sheila Hutchinson
Senior Member
Australia
43 Posts
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Posted - 07/02/2009 :
5:21:17 PM
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Hi KC2000
The ‘Stupid Reason’ that there is a new track from the Kelly
Tree Reserve to The Kelly Tree is because the old track was
deemed to be unsafe. (I’m sure you’ll agree that visitor safety
is paramount) Did you see a bulldozer there ?
Do you object to a rock seat being provided for visitors to the
viewing area at the edge of the Police Camp site ?
I believe the DSE are doing their utmost to preserve the
uniqueness of this area and have only carried out constructive
works at the Police Camp site. By clearing away some of the dead
blackwoods and wattles, the visitors should be able to get a
glimpse of the marshy area and the sword grass that are both
identified as being a part of ‘Stringybark’ in Kelly Story from
the viewing area, thus eliminating the need to trample over the
site.
The stone structure in the Kelly Tree Reserve where the main
Information Board is to be placed is to provide seating for
visitors.
The Kelly Tree and the Police Shooting site are part of the
Historic Toombullup area.
Sheila
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kellycountry2000
Forum Admin
Australia
440 Posts
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Posted - 08/02/2009 : 07:37:27 AM
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I urge all those who want
the destruction of the Police camp site and the detructive works
at the police reserve to stop, to leave their posts here, as I
will be directing the Vic Police Commissioner to this thread, as
well as the premier brumby, to show them a mistake has been made
doing these works.
Two people have been killed at this site, nobody knows exactly
where it happened, this new rock seat could be right on top of
where one of them fell, rock seats or any other structure are
not required, there were already seats at the police reserve.
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bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
82 Posts
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Posted - 08/02/2009 :
12:03:09 PM
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Stop all works leading
to the police camp site and the two huts.
Wherever possible all walking tracks to be left natural,
initially raked clear of debris, then if necessary use small
coloured markers on trees along the way as originally proposed
by Mansfield Historical Society members.
I would like to know who made the decisions to build a viewing
structure and seats at the police camp !
Here is the plan made public in April 2008.
Notice NO mention of any constructions at the site except
for a signage story board. (53)
It appears the plan has changed !
I placed the red dot on this plan above. This dot shows the
existing entry point into the police camp marked by a Forked
tree.
Here is what I wrote to DSE about how visitors should enter and
exit the site.
1, More careful entry into the
police camp, not just let the pathway end up in a clearing which
was the police camp. I propose the entry via a very narrow
single path corridor through some dense scrub. This corridor is
in alignment S.West most likely the scenario where Burman took
his photo. This position may be contested by others, but this
entry spot into the site is to be preserved and not allowed to
be opened up. The visitor entering can then visualise the site
by the aid of the Burman photo on the story board.
2, Exit from the police camp to the West across
Stringybark Creek past the location of the two huts ( one which
was the Shingle Hut ) via a short board walk across the S/bark
creek to the road. From here the visitor does not back track
along the same path from where they came.
3, Continue to Germans Ck, the visitor follows the route
that Sergeant Kennedy would have taken to escape in a North N
Westerly direction - ending at Germans Creek where the Sergeant
died. This is a beautiful place quite different from the
surrounding scrub. From here the visitor walks East back to the
car park and picnic ground. ( A round trip of 1500 m)
None of these recommendations were adopted.
Also see associated site Stringybark Creek News-
http://kellycountry2000.forumco.com/topic~TOPIC_ID~332.asp
br /
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Joe.D
Advanced Member
Australia
383 Posts
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Posted - 08/02/2009 :
10:02:34 PM
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8/Feb/2009
Sheila,Bill, Bruce & one & all
With all that has been said with the SBC issue, today I decided
to take a drive down to stringy bark, & I must admit I expected
far worse!!
The crush rock that Bruce refers to, is in a way un-natural,
however in time it may just blend in with mother nature.
The police camp in my opinion MUST be left alone......I stand
firm on this issue......why is there a need for a viewing area,
by all means the exposed diggings should be covered up for
public safety.
The work around the police reserve is long over due..... yes I'm
in favour of this, but please dont allow any further destruction
to the site.
Its sad to see the original path leading into the police camp
taken over by the new. The bobcat had only scrapped away a few
inches of dirt, making it a lot safer for all concerned.
The path stopped within mt's of the police camp & directly
facing a dump of rocks on the NE cnr. At this stage no work has
started in the police camp area.......& NOR IT SHOULD.
Bill the horse track you refered to in one of your other
posts.....do you think the new path would have gone over these
tracks??
I'll email Bruce pic's of the NEW PATH the KELLY TREE & of
course the POLICE RESERVE.
P.S...... At this stage the crushed rock path has stopped at
the Kelly tree, however it appears it MAY continue on.
Joe.D
The track leading to site of police camp has been dug out
The crushed rock track that goes through the bush to the reserve
and bypasses the old track
The pile of rocks in the reserve
The pile of rocks at the reserve
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Edited by - Joe.D on 08/02/2009 10:54:14 PM |
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bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
82 Posts
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Posted - 09/02/2009 :
08:43:21 AM
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Hi Joe,
If the machine has leveled the track from the Kelly tree to the
creek crossing, that part of the original horse track will be
ruined. |
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bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
82 Posts
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Posted - 25/03/2009 :
4:59:14 PM
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Transcript of the Benalla
Ensign Wednesday 25 March 2009
Battle at Kelly site
Another battle is being waged at the site of the infamous 1878
shoot -out between members of the Kelly Gang and police
troopers.
The Stringybark Creek site, about 50km east of Benalla, is being
revamped to better cater for the growing number of visitors,
while linking environmental and historical values.
The revamp is a joint project between the Department of
Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Benalla Rural City, and
is being partially funded by a $20 000 contribution from the
latter and through the State Government's Living Regions, Living
Suburbs program.
But some people believe the revamp is obtrusive and
destructive, and the site should be left in its natural state.
There is also some concern about exactly where the police
troopers were killed and that a new viewing area might be
desecrating the place where they died.
Mansfield Historical Society member Bill Denheld said the
development was unwanted and outrageous. "The unwanted works
include new walking tracks paved with yellow gravel," he said.
"People want to see these places as they are, not contrived
paved tracks leading to a viewing platform."
Mr Denheld said it was not known exactly where the troopers were
killed. "We know this is the area of the police camp, but we
need to do a fair bit of historical re-enactment using the
surviving policeman Thomas McIntyre's notes."
Mr Denheld said there were no stone structures for people
to stand or sit on in the initial concept plans, which went on
public display in May last year. "So they must have changed
the plans without public notice or opinion regarding this
historic site," he said.
DSE Goulburn district manager David Wells said a stakeholder
reference group, made up of representatives of historical,
community and indigenous groups, had input into developing the
site plans. Professional input was also sought from the
Victorian Police Historic Unit and DSE Heritage Branch, because
it was considered such a historical and sensitive site.
DSE's Goulburn district planning manager Kathy Gosby said
completed works included a new carpark, land-scaping and
walking-track improvements. "Once gravelled, the newly aligned
track to the Kelly Tree will provide greater access for people
of all ages and now caters for wheelchair access," she said.
"During the next few weeks we hope to complete construction of a
new toilet facility and install upgraded footbridges over
Stringybark Creek."
"Stringybark Creek Reserve is an extremely popular location and
these works will both enhance the experience for visitors and
protect the environment for the future generations," Ms Gosby
said. |
Edited by - bill denheld on 25/03/2009 5:15:08 PM |
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Peter McGarrigle
Senior Member
Australia
31 Posts
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Posted - 31/03/2009 : 7:03:04 PM
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I visited Stringybark on
27/03 and took a few photos of the construction site and the new
paths and the partially built bridge on the way to the shootout
site if anyone wants me to post |
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Joe.D
Advanced Member
Australia
383 Posts
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Posted - 31/03/2009 : 9:46:23 PM
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Howdy Peter,
mate looks like you had a bit of a tour around Kelly country
what other sites did you visit??..... yeah why not post some
pic's of sbc.
Cheers,
Joe.D |
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Peter McGarrigle
Senior Member
Australia
31 Posts
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Posted - 01/04/2009 : 11:08:12 AM
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We visited Beveridge,
Avenel, Glenrowan, Greta, Glenrowan, Stringybark, Beechworth,
Powers Lookout, Melbourne and we stayed At my cousins pub in
Benalla (The Victoria Hotel). Was the first time I had visited
Avenel and I wanted to stop in at Euroa also but everyone was
tired and grumpy from the tiring couple of days we spent in
Mlelbourne |
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Joe.D
Advanced Member
Australia
383 Posts
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Posted - 01/04/2009 : 3:02:07 PM
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Hi Peter,
Well done!!
No wonder why your mates didnt want to keep going........huge
trip! Euroa will be waiting for you next time :-) fair bit to
see in Euroa.
Joe.D |
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Peter McGarrigle
Senior Member
Australia
31 Posts
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Posted - 02/04/2009 : 10:30:41 AM
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Thanks Joe
Just wondering how far and what direction was faithfulls creek
homestead from Euroa |
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Joe.D
Advanced Member
Australia
383 Posts
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Posted - 02/04/2009 : 11:31:40 AM
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Peter,
The homestead is not far from town centre, if I remember right
its some 3-4 clicks out out town in a northly direction. The
homestead is on private property, however the site can been seen
from the rail tracks. I can give you directions on how to get
there via the rail tracks...... but viewing is restricted to the
fence line wich is some 150 yards from ground zero. Nothing
remains of the site but for some scattered remnants
Feel free to email me ;-) your dad has my contact details ;-)
Cheers
Joe.D |
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marcus
Advanced Member
Australia
165 Posts
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Posted - 10/04/2009 :
7:54:31 PM
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All,
happened to read the following in the Wangaratta Chronicle
whilst in Wangaratta this Easter break.
http://www.nenews.com.au/Stories/chStory10n.htm
Wished I had the time to go visit the site.
Also dropped by Glenrowan and whilst the main strip looks
improved with the recent works, pity the same can't be said
about the siege site (ie the recent works).
Also visited Beechworth today and the gaol is in pretty bad
shape. Gardens are a disgrace. Did manage however to get a few
hydrangea cuttings. (Don't tell the authorities!)
Off to the Edi Upper school fete tomorrow to stock up on
homemade preserves!
Happy Easter all
Marcus
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Sharon Hollingsworth
Advanced Member
USA
318 Posts
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Posted - 10/04/2009 :
11:50:32 PM
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Marcus, I had seen that
article earlier, but was waiting to see if Bill himself would
post it! :)
Since the NE News (Wang Chronicle) online site does not archive
their articles that link will have a different story attached in
a few days, so I will cut and paste the article here:
cut and paste
New battle at old Stringybark Creek
Written by HARVEY DIKE.
PLANS by the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE)
to develop the Stringybark Creek site of the 1878 battle between
the Kelly Gang and police have come under fire from a Kelly
historian.
At the centre of the row are disputes about the exact location
of the police camp and the places Sergeant Kennedy and
Constables Scanlon and Lonigan were killed, and the nature of
the tourist development, if any, that should occur.
Kelly researcher Bill Denheld claims that the DSE intends to
pass on flawed advice to visitors to the site.
"An 1884 surveyor’s map has the police hut incorrectly plotted,
some hundreds of metres north of where I believe the correct
site is, yet the incorrect site is the one tourists are being
directed to," Mr Denheld said.
"Stringybark Creek history is part of Australian folklore,
history must be underpinned by the truth, and Stringybark Creek
is now the number one site on the Ned Kelly tourist route.
"The historian that the DSE is relying on is quite wrong about
where the police tried to shoot it out with the Kellys."
Mr Denheld is also concerned that tourist pressure now threatens
the pristine nature of the site.
"The DSE is in charge of the works to build a viewing platform
that may be on the very place two of the police officers died,"
he said.
"Its plans for the walking tracks are inappropriate, too.
"This development is unwanted and outrageous, and the site
should be left in its natural state."
Glenrowan resident and Kelly historian Gary Dean said that the
controversy surrounding the precise location of the police camp
and the slain policemen would not be ended until a proper
scientific investigation of the area had taken place.
"There needs to be a careful and thorough investigation of the
site, and until there is, the DSE is wasting their money by
setting up the tracks and the platform," Mr Dean said.
"All works at Stringybark Creek should be stopped.
"They won’t last long anyhow, as the area is particularly prone
to bushfire and vandalism.
"What everyone can agree on is that the present Kelly Tree,
marked as a memorial to the three murdered policemen, is the
third tree to be so named, and is probably a significant
distance from the first which was probably logged around the end
of the nineteenth century."
The DSE’s Goulburn district planning manager, Kathy Gosby, said
that Mr Denheld had not formally produced his evidence and had
not become involved in the process of the site’s development.
"However, we did consider Mr Denheld’s point of view," Ms Gosby
said.
end of cut and paste
Sharon |
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bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
82 Posts
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Sheila Hutchinson
Senior Member
Australia
43 Posts
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Posted - 14/04/2009 :
10:52:04 AM
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Hi Bill,
Comment on your posting
“ I had submitted a comprehensive document to DSE during the
process which was tabled but rejected by Ian Jones.”
Your document wasn’t accepted or rejected at the SRG meeting.
It was duly passed onto the SRGPCB.
Ian Jones isn’t a member of the PCB for this project.
Sheila
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bill denheld
Advanced Member
Australia
82 Posts
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