Historic tank erected in Longwood thanks to Council grant

A Council grant has enabled the Longwood community to restore a unique piece of its history.

The Longwood Action Group received a 2021-2022 Community Planning Funding program grant for $9,600 for the relocation of an old water tank.

The eight-metre-high structure was located at a farm in Locksley for a long time when it was kindly donated by the owners to the Longwood Action Group.

The tank is estimated to have been situated in Longwood during from 1880 to the mid-1960s where steam-trains would stop and refill with water.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said Council was pleased to fund this project which was incredibly important to the community.

“The Longwood community are incredibly passionate, and it is rewarding to be able to fund the tank’s relocation to enable the community and visitors alike to appreciate the historic structure,” she said.

“We know the community has strong desires to create an art trail and it is hoped this will be the beginning of more pieces to view into the future.”

Cr Binks said it was fantastic to see the community effort involved in bringing the project to fruition.

“Our communities are driven by people who dedicate so much of their time to making things like this happen,” Cr Binks said.

“The tank looks so impressive now that it is in place, and I would encourage people to visit the structure which can be found at the corner of Maxfield and Down streets.”

The area also features a sculptural design which the community installed as part of Council’s 2022 Christmas Decoration Grants Program.

“It is fantastic to see the community reconstitute the decorations from Christmas and move them to the area surrounding the tank; the whole area looks fantastic.”

For more information about grant and funding opportunities, visit https://www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/community/grants-and-funding/