DISCUSSIONS are taking place between Indigo Shire Council and the National Trust of Victoria for a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between both organisations for the historic carriage collection presently housed at Billson's Brewery under an expired lease.
The move followed a motion by Indigo Shire mayor Bernard Gaffney at council's general meeting held on July 26 that council thank Billson's Brewery for their patience and support of the National Trust in storing and exhibiting the heritage carriage collection, requested the shire chief executive officer to prepare the MOU with the National Trust, and for the CEO to find a new home for them on a long or short term basis.
Cr Gaffney said further discussions will be held between both organisations' chief executives before a memorandum of understanding for the carriages is signed.
"There will also be a conversation about the heritage value and the conditions the carriages are in, as some may be in need of restoration," he said.
At the meeting it had been indicated that Billson's Brewery required the space for their expanding business.
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The brewery has offered financial support for rehousing the carriages while the Beechworth Heritage and Historical Society (BHHS), Beechworth Old Cranks Motor Club and Beechworth Men's Shed have all offered support in transportation and maintenance of the more than 100–year–old carriages.
BHHS president Elizabeth Mason said the society's continuous active campaign to have the valuable carriage collection rehoused has been an ongoing frustration.
"For council to rehouse the collection in the renovated old Railway Good Shed had been supported by some of the carriage owners who have their family carriage in the collection," she said.
"None of us can understand why the refurbished Goods Shed that is a perfect location for the collection and vacant for the last five years can't be used.
"Questions are being asked why rehousing of the carriages has been going on for so long.
"Indigo Shire Council should listen and support community wishes to have the carriages returned to a site which represents the best potential for carriage preservation and promotion as the collection is an asset for tourism.
"Crisis time frames now exist, and Indigo Shire Council cannot just sit on their hands with a perfect empty shed available."
The O&M Advertiser reported in April this year that executive manager for collections and cultural projects at the National Trust of Australia (Victoria), Dr Annette Shiell, said the Trust – custodian of the collection – is committed to working with the wider community to conserve and interpret the collection.
Ms Shiell said a multi–staged approach had been undertaken to manage the collection and secure its long term future with options being considered for relocation where the Trust would continue to engage with stakeholders including Indigo Shire Council and the (BHHS).
"Our current priority is rehousing the collection so it can be conserved and made available to the public," she said.
