Tables are turned- Councillor Chris Templer is keen to see the restoration of Warburton’s historic turntable. 61570

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
SUPPORTERS of the Warburton Rail Trail say it is time to restore the century-old La La Turntable after it was partially destroyed several weeks ago.
There have been rumours circulating town about who is at fault for the damage, but Rail Trail supporters are more worried about the future of the site.
Many concerned residents have contacted the Yarra Ranges Council, the Mail newspaper, and the historical society after it was obvious the area had been cleared and significant brickwork had been removed from the siding, which sits on Crown Land between the Warburton Recreation Reserve and Edgewater Resort development.
The La La extension was opened in 1909, eight years after the station, later closing with the line in 1965 and receiving a heritage overlay from the council. The remains have sat stagnant for years, with local groups keen to see it restored to its former glory.
O’Shannassy Ward councillor Chris Templer said council had a strong commitment to ensure the turntable was preserved, with funding of $35,000 in the upcoming budget and a mention in the recreation reserve master plan.
“It’s great to see work beginning on the Edgewater development but I really hope this wasn’t just a careless act of damage of one of our historic features in the area,” he said.
“We have to wait and see what the compliance report comes back with on how bad the damage is and then we’ll be taking action from there, on what to do in terms of the responsible party, as well as getting the damage fixed.”
The former committee of management of the Rail Trail says it persistently tried for many years to have the land clearly separated from the development and to create a recreation trail link with the riverside walk.
Former committee member Liz Tunnecliffe said their fears had been realised when they saw the current damage.
“It should have been fenced off before the development started, it’s a matter of protecting a really important asset so this doesn’t happen again,” she said.
“This is not about hindering the resort development. It is about ensuring the development is well managed in this area of very high heritage, environmental and tourism value.”
Yarra Ranges Council planning director Andrew Paxton told council at the 8 March meeting that officers had been out to investigate the damage.
“Council officers are currently working through the issue with the Department of Sustainability and Environment, Heritage Victoria, the contractor and the developer to understand the works and the possible remedial actions,” he said.
Crockett Group CEO Eric Sward said they had been in contact with the council but couldn’t comment on the matter while it was still being investigated.