POST AND RAIL FENCES
Glenelg Highway BOCHARA, Southern Grampians Shire
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Statement of Significance
The Post and Rail Fences located along the Glenelg Highway at Bochara are the only physical fabric remaining of the Bochara Station, which was opened as part of the Hamilton - Coleraine line in the late 1880s after substantial pressure from landholders, townspeople and local government. There are two main sections of fence, one stretches for 300 metres parallel with the Glenelg Highway and the second runs at right angles to the first, forming a boundary between two paddocks. They are hand fashioned two rail timber fences, constructed of local red gum. The fences are in poor condition, but retain a high degree of integrity.
How is it significant?
The post and rail fences along the Glenelg Highway at Bochara are of historical significance to the Southern Grampians Shire.
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Why is it significant?
The Post and Rail fences are historically significant as the only physical fabric, which remains of the Bochara station and associated structures. Of further historical significance are the construction method and materials, which have been used in the fence. The use of local red gum timbers indicates a use of the local resources rather than pre-cut timbers, which are commonly associated with public structures. The post and rail fence is a rare reminder of a past way of life, when local railways dissected Victoria, providing economical transport for a wide variety of people prior to the advent of the affordable automobile.
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POST AND RAIL FENCES - Physical Conditions
The physical condition of both fences is poor, with neither fence being structurally intact. Many of the timbers are extensively weathered, and the joints have deteriorated, resulting in the full or partial collapse of several sections. A conventional wire fence has been constructed later along the same fence lines, which may be providing a degree of stability to the older timber structure. At one point along the Glenelg Highway, the fence disappears into a thicket of shrubs, and the condition of the timbers cannot be determined.
POST AND RAIL FENCES - Physical Description 1
The post and rail fences at Bochara consist of two lengths of timber fencing, constructed by the post and rail method. One fence stretches for approximately 300 metres along the Glenelg Highway, while the second fence runs for a similar distance at right angles to the first, forming a boundary between two paddocks. There are additional smaller, isolated remnants of the fence at two points along the highway. These consist of a few uprights and rails in a state of partial collapse. The posts and rails appear to have been fashioned by hand, using the abundant local red gum timber. They are thought to be associated with the Bochara Station, on the defunct Hamilton - Coleraine Branch.
POST AND RAIL FENCES - Historical Australian Themes
Theme 3: Developing local, regional and national economies
3.7 Establishing communications
3.7.1 Establishing postal services
3.7.2 Developing electrical means of communicationPOST AND RAIL FENCES - Usage/Former Usage
Not used
POST AND RAIL FENCES - Integrity
Poor
Heritage Study and Grading
Southern Grampians - Southern Grampians Shire Heritage Study
Author: Timothy Hubbard P/L, Annabel Neylon
Year: 2002
Grading:
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