Member for Tamworth and Shadow Minister for Heritage Kevin Anderson is celebrating the Manilla Viaduct’s listing of the NSW Heritage register.

“The Manilla Viaduct is an iconic piece of our rail history and the community have been fighting to ensure its preservation for some time and to repurpose the viaduct to become an iconic walkway around the town,” Mr Anderson said.

“The viaduct and rail bridge, opened in 1908, was an integral part of the extension of the rail line to Barraba in the 1900s, which allowed for further expansion of wheat growing operations in our region.

“It’s a part of our history, which is why hard-working Manilla locals have been fighting to save the viaduct, and I updated the Minister on our efforts when I met with her earlier this year.

“I’m so pleased that the Minister has agreed with the community and signed off on the the 500-metre-long structure being listed on the NSW Heritage Register.

“This means the structure has further protections under NSW law and opens opportunities for funding into the future.

Mr Anderson said he had already had discussions with a local working group who are committed to transforming the structure to a walkway over Manilla.

“As soon as the announcement was made, I was in contact with the community to discuss next steps in our campaign to see the viaduct transformed into an iconic walkway over the town.

“We’re staying on this campaign because I know that the viaduct is already a draw for tourists and there is huge opportunity to take advantage of the unique structure and draw tourists to the region.

“There’s still work to do, and I look forward to working with the community to again raise our plans for the viaduct with the government.”