Restoration of the iconic Sale Water Tower is well advanced with the stairwells now complete, new flooring laid and glazing about to begin.
Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester said the views from the top floor were superb and would be enjoyed by locals and visitors to the region once the tower was opened to the public.
The Federal Government has provided $10,000 toward the restoration project and Mr Chester donated $2 for every entrant who beat him across the finish line in the inaugural Race the Rubeena Community Fun Run.
Mr Chester said the water tower was an important part of the district’s history.
“Visiting the water tower provides an insight into Sale’s history and there are some great views of the town from the top floor,” Mr Chester said.
“The former Sale Council was the first municipality in Australia to trial artesian water as a public water supply. This unique slice of history will be recorded in the ‘water museum’ inside the tower.
“The completed project will provide an economic stimulus for Sale by providing another reason for people to stay in the area longer.”
Peter Synan from the Sale Historical Society Water Tower Restoration Committee said there had been strong community support for the restoration project and was hopeful community donations could continue so the project could be completed.
“We began a community campaign back in 2016 to restore the tower as a water museum and visitor lookout to preserve the history of this building,” Mr Synan said.
“Sale builder Peter Lowe and Brian Castles have been a great help with the restoration and we’re also grateful for the Federal Government’s contribution – but there’s more work to be done and we’re hopeful the community will continue to support the building project by way of further donations.”
Mr Synan said the Sale Water Tower would complement other historical icons in the area including The Rubeena, St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale Powder Magazine and the Swing Bridge.
Anyone able to donate the project can do so at https://www.gofundme.com/sale-water-tower-restoration
