History focuses on GMW site

WEEKS before Goulburn Murray Water closes the doors of its Pyramid Hill depot, a bid has been made to transform the Barber Street block into a new heritage centre for Loddon Valley.
The city’s historical society held early discussions with GMW and received support for its vision from local leaders and MP Peter Walsh.
Plans call for historic farm equipment to be moved out of storage at Mitchell Park and housed in the new museum and interpretive venue, highlighting five key eras in the region’s history.
According to Alan Mann, chairman of the association, the centre’s five main themes are: Aboriginal history, early white settlement, the early years of irrigation in Australia and Goulburn Murray Water, the granite quarries at Mawson and the industrial history of Pyramid Hill and the surrounding areas, including the butter factory, agricultural inventions and the thriving modern ranching and farming industries.
“There are about 1,000 vehicles that pass through Pyramid Hill every day. The historic downtown would be a reason for people to stop and explore,” Mann said.
Trevor McIntosh, a member of the association, said: “The location is ideal and there is some infrastructure already in place.”
Plans also include interactive exhibits and outdoor interpretive trails. Mr Mann said recent meetings at Pyramid Hill had shown enthusiasm for the proposal.
And Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh said: “Pyramid Hill must be seen as one of the success stories, not just of regional Victoria, but of Australia as a whole.
“It has brought itself back from the brink of neglect by taking bold and industry-leading decisions that have attracted a significant new workforce to the area, revitalised local farming businesses and seen a parallel revival of its commercial heart.
“This is the community that is now focusing its energies on the next level of its reincarnation: the creation of this historic center.
“If there is a regional community that can be guaranteed to perform above and beyond its means, then Pyramid Hill is the gold medal contender.
“I will support every step of this project as it progresses, I will participate in the negotiations to secure the GMW site as its future home and I will be its voice in the Victorian Parliament and with the relevant departments when required.”
Goulburn Murray Water closed its Pyramid Hill office last month, with the depot scheduled to close in mid-August.