A Brumby Labor Government grant of $291,625 will enable the tiny Benjeroop community (population-200) in north-west Victoria to restore and exhibit an historic irrigation gas engine, which could make it the only one of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and a powerful tourist attraction.
In Benjeroop today, Member for Northern Victoria, Candy Broad announced the Brumby Labor Government would pay approximately 75 per cent of the cost, with $291,625 granted to the Gannawarra Shire Council for the $389,500 project, to transport, restore and display the historic engine.
“This machinery is enormous, comprising a Hornsby Suction Gas Engine with a 10-tonne flywheel, cylinder gas producers and Robison 20-inch centrifugal pump,” Ms Broad said.
“Once restored it is believed it will be the only one in the Southern Hemisphere to run on gas produced from redgum coal.”
The machinery was donated from a NSW property on the Murray River, opposite Benjeroop, in honour of the region’s irrigation history.
The engine, cylinders and pump were once operated in unison to irrigate the region before the introduction of electricity via power lines.
“Restoring the iconic engine and pump back to its former glory will create a main feature for historic display at the Benjeroop Hall, extending the original collection significantly,” Ms Broad said.
“The Benjeroop community is very enthusiastic about the project and plans to develop this into a Regional Irrigation Museum.
“It has great potential to be one of Gannawarra’s greatest heritage and tourist assets, bringing interested travellers and generating revenue through tourism which will be put back into the community for continued improvement of Benjeroop.”
The restored engine will be situated on a purpose-built dam and run at specific times to demonstrate the power of the engine and view the amount of water moved by the pump.
The project will generate jobs during construction (1400 hours of paid work / 9.3 FTE for 4 weeks) and potentially longer term if tourism increases.
Ms Broad said the project typified initiatives supported by the Brumby Labor Government’s Small Towns Development Fund which were making a big difference to towns in provincial Victoria.
“The Small Towns Development Fund is helping Victoria’s smaller towns create jobs, drive economic growth and improve community infrastructure,” Ms Broad said.
“So far, the Fund has provided more than $50.7 million towards 484 projects worth $105.2 million, right across provincial Victoria.”