Federal Member for Lyne Dr David Gillespie today joined members of the Coopernook and Lansdowne Forest History Group for a barbecue at the historic cottage in the Coopernook State Forest.
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The group has been undertaking the restoration of the Historic Foremen’s Cottage and Office in the Coopernook Forest with recent support from the Work for the Dole program.
Dr Gillespie today announced $20,000 in federal funding towards further restoration work the group plans to undertake over the coming months.
“The group has previously provided me with a tour of some of the restoration work and when they applied for funding under the Stronger Communities program, I was more than happy to support their application for funding to get on and complete this wonderful restoration project,” Dr Gillespie said.
The project is preserving and restoring the last remaining dwelling of the forestry precinct historically known as “Forest Headquarters” in the Coopernook State Forest.
The Foremen’s cottage was constructed in 1934 and has seen at least five forestry foremen raise their families.
Over 130 years of forestry history and associated families/workers will be researched and displayed by our voluntary group to the community in a museum showcase.
Much written documents, photos and film has already been gathered for public display.
In January 2014 Coopernook Forest celebrated its 100 years of being named the first NSW State Forest on the 21 January 1914.
The historic Langley Vale Timber Tramway with the remarkable wooden curved timber railway bridge and timber empire of William Langley & Sons will be the centre attraction for the community and visiting travellers.
A model of the precinct is currently being constructed which will depict the original two cottages, tennis court, workshops, workers huts and kitchen, stables and fire-station. along with numerous other outbuildings.
According to the group, the project will enhance the Forestry Corporation’s free camping and family picnic open area that is central to the numerous trails/tracks and past logging operations. Having already taken part in the inaugural Work for the Dole program with 10 placements under supervision by a CALF executive there will also be an opportunity for further positions for carrying out research and administration when completed.
