Released 02/10/2023 - Joint media release
The ACT Government will build two new huts in Namadgi National Park in remembrance of the heritage listed stockman huts destroyed during the 2020 Orroral Valley bushfire.
Minister for Heritage Rebecca Vassarotti said the new works will be built near the original sites of the Demandering Hut and Max and Bert Oldfield’s Hut, which are part of a heritage listing of Stockmen’s Huts in Namadgi.
"These new projects represent the relentless will of our community to rebuild in the face of adversity. They stand not only as a tribute to what was lost, but as a testament to the universalising nature of our shared heritage.” Minister Vassarotti said.
“Earlier this year, the Government asked the community for feedback on a proposal to build new hut structures near the original sites of the Demandering Hut and Max and Bert Oldfield’s Hut.
“More than 90 percent of the 800 responses agreed with the proposal, proving the historical and cultural significance of both these sites.
“To complement this, the Government will also be initiating a Historic Huts project which received strong support from 97 percent of respondents.
“The project will bring together family and caretaker site knowledge with built heritage specialist and archaeological investigation, to build a single archival record that communicates the story of each original hut place.
“As part of the Historic Huts project, we will be engaging with First Nations people to include their stories of culture and occupation in the interpretive designs and construction of the new sites."
Minister for Planning and Land Management Mick Gentleman said the huts will be carefully designed and constructed to reduce the risk of fire damaging the new structures.
“The ACT Government will connect with a heritage architect and collaborate with community and stakeholder organisations to finalise the designs and construction plans for both of these huts,” Minister Gentleman said.
“This is also an opportunity to design and construct the huts in a way that will reduce fire risk and provide a basic level of emergency shelter for bushwalkers during inclement weather.
“The government will also progress the development of a new Conservation Management Plan to protect and preserve the former sites of the huts that burned down, managing them as historical ruins. This received strong support in the YourSay consultation in 99 percent of the responses.”
Learn more about the Namadgi National Park Huts proposal and how the community had their say on the ACT Government’s YourSay project page.
- Statement ends -
| Rebecca Vassarotti, MLA | Mick Gentleman, MLA | Media Releases