Geelong’s Sunnyside Wool Scour will be protected and maintained as part of the Andrews Labor Government’s support for heritage assets.
The wool scour – which dates from 1867, making it almost 150 years old – is largely intact but needs urgent stabilisation works.
A $1 million grant from the Labor Government will fund bracing works, roof repairs and removal of hazardous materials which will ensure the wool scour is safe to access.
These initial works mark the start of long-term plans to make the site safe to occupy in the future, so that more people can appreciate the wool scour’s history.
Potential opportunities for the wool scour include restoration works to allow the space to be used by community groups.
Set on the Barwon River, the wool scour has extensive equipment and machinery, including rare 19th century chimney stacks featuring the insignia of its owner, John Haworth.
The Victorian Budget 2016/17 allocated $30 million to restoring heritage buildings, the largest financial boost from a state government into Victoria’s heritage sites.
The $30 million will be used for conservation works and for community heritage grants for heritage buildings which are at risk of dilapidation.
Heritage is a major attraction for rural and regional Victoria, 1.9 million people visited state-listed heritage sites last year and more than half were international visitors.
Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas
“Geelong has a proud industrial history and the wool scour reflects how the wool industry evolved from hand-driven machines into the steam-powered era.”
“We’ve made the biggest investment of any state government into protecting Victoria’s heritage after funds were ripped out by the previous Liberal government.”
Quotes attributable to Member for Geelong Christine Couzens
“With our support, more people will be able to learn about the wool scour and it can evolve as a space for the community to enjoy.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020