Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson is joining the Manilla community in renewing the campaign to save the historic Manilla Viaduct.

Mr Anderson said the viaduct was important to the Manilla community and he had been busy working with the community on a plan to preserve the viaduct for generations to come.  

“The Manilla Viaduct is an iconic landmark in our region. The one-of-a-kind piece of historic rail infrastructure sits high above the Manilla showground and is a great feature for events like the Manilla Show and the Renewable Manilla Festival,” Mr Anderson said.

“The viaduct is the only curved timber railway viaduct in the Southern Hemisphere and needs to be preserved for its historical significance and for the benefit of the Manilla community.

“In 2018, a Manilla Viaduct future options study was commissioned by the NSW Government through John Holland Rail Pty Ltd and now is the time to act on that report.

“We want to see the entire viaduct preserved and transformed into a walkway that will engage the local community and provide a unique tourist experience, bringing people to town and boosting the local economy.

“I have written to Minister for Regional Transport and Road Sam Farraway, Minister for Environment and Heritage James Griffin and Tamworth Region Mayor Russell Webb to update them on the community’s campaign to save the viaduct and request that all options be explored.

“After meeting with the Manilla community last week, I met with the Minister for Regional Roads and Transport Sam Farraway to put our case forward and to explore options.

“I look forward to continuing to work with the Manilla community and with the minister to ensure that the viaduct is preserved.”

Photo: Kevin Anderson met with representatives of the Manilla community last week to reinvigorate plans to save the viaduct