Journal Article

The environmental heritage of NSW comprises a broad range of items of cultural and natural heritage value. This includes some outstanding examples of timber buildings and structures. Timber can be subject to deterioration by the main agents of fire, fungal rot, borers and termites. In all cases prevention is better than cure and regular maintenance is an essential requirement. While the general conservation approach as described in the ICOMOS Burra Charter should be adopted in the management of these items, special considerations and needs are required for timber conservation. The golden rule is to do as much as is needed and as little as possible. Timber bridges are a key heritage group in NSW. These significant engineering structures are now facing a major challenge to their survival. In an environment which is placing greater demands on these important structures to meet current standards of higher load limits how can their heritage values be respected and maintained? The Heritage Office is working closely With state agencies such as the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA) to find feasible solutions to Conserve these landmarks while retaining their ongoing key functions as road or rail bridges. A draft Memorandum of Understanding has been prepared to provide an agreed management strategy between the RTA and the Heritage Office. The fact that these structures were originally constructed from old growth hardwood timber also provides a major challenge for their continuing sympathetic maintenance and conservation.