THE SUSPENSION BRIDGE AT COWWARR - A SHORT HISTORY
(Valma Plant)

The north side of the Thomson River is in the Shire of Maffra, whereas land on the south side is in the Rosedale Shire.  The area in the Maffra Shire suitable for farming only consists of a few acres and even in its heyday it only supported 6 to 8 farms.  Today there is only one farm and an A.P.M. seed nursery on that side of the river.

For many years, the only access to the north side was by fording the Thomson River or crossing by a small rowing boat.  There is still a "gazetted" area on each side of the river at the ford site.

The early settlers were often marooned by flood waters and in the early 1900's they approached the Rosedale Shire Council for a suspension footbridge as a means of access.  Their efforts were successful, even if somewhat protracted, and are detailed in the following extracts from the Minutes of the Rosedale Shire meetings:

Minutes dated 15.6.1908 stated "that the engineer of this Shire of Rosedale has estimated the cost of the footbridge at Cowwarr Upper crossing at £117.0.0 the inhabitants to find the timber."  "The Shire of Maffra be requested to state whether they are willing to bear half the cost of same."

The next entry referring to the bridge was on 14.6.1909 with correspondence from the Shire of Maffra stating that the lowest tender for erecting a suspension bridge over the Thomson was £166.11.6 and asking if this Council was agreeable to same being accepted.  It was agreed to.

There was no reference to an official opening, but a photograph taken at the bridge at about this time would appear to have been at an official function.

It is presumed that individual groups were using the area for picnic parties and there must have been some agitation for a Reserve, as the following entry in the Minutes of 22.11.1909 records - "Petition received last meeting referring to the Commons and the Swingbridge reserve were "received".

The final entry with reference to the first bridge was "That Mr. E. Jones be appointed Caretaker of the suspension bridge at Cowwarr at a salary of  £1.0.0 per annum, with power to prosecute persons interfering with the bridge."  It could therefore be assumed that the first suspension bridge was erected by January 1910.

Continuing the search of the Shire Minute Books, the meeting on 21.2.1916 recorded "That the Secretary write to the Department of Lands asking to have the whole of the land fronting the river Thomson north of and adjoining Allotment 116A, Parish of Toongabbie North, proclaimed as a Recreation reserve and vested in the Council.

At the meeting held on 20.3.1916, it was noted that Cr. D. Morgan attended on behalf of Mrs. W. Allen, Cowwarr, and made an offer in reference to land required for a Reserve at the Suspension Bridge and an amicable agreement was arrived at and dealt with by the motion.

Again on 20.3.1916, "That this Council agree to purchase 2 acres of land adjoining the reserve at the Suspension Bridge, Cowwarr, from Mrs. W. Allen as per the conditions offered this day by Mr. Morgan on behalf of Mrs. Allen, viz. £36.0.0 payable in three yearly instalments of £12.0.0 each, without interest."

At a later meeting, on 15.05.1916, correspondence from the Department of Lands and Survey re Reserve at Suspension Bridge Cowwarr, enquiring if whole of the frontage to Allot. 116A was required, survey being made.

At the meeting on 21.7.1916, it was moved "that the Secretary take steps to have the two acres of land purchased from Mrs. W. Allen at the Suspension Bridge, at Cowwarr, surveyed."

There were no further reports on the bridge but it is known that the area was a very popular venue for picnic parties of all descriptions.  People named Blee had a small area of land on the Cowwarr side of the Thomson River;  they had a small farm with fruit trees, vegetables, etc.  They also had a kiosk serving sweets, refreshments. etc., to the picnickers.  This was very popular.

In 1916 there was a big flood on the Thomson River, and the bridge suffered severe flood damage.

At the meeting of the Rosedale Shire, on 16.10.1916, a motion is recorded "That the engineer be instructed to have the work required to restore the Suspension Bridge and the deviation at Blee's carried out by day labour as soon as possible."

Cr. Neilson moved, at the meeting on 18.11.1916,  (seconded Lang) that Mr. Blee be appointed in place of Mr. O.S. Martin to attend to the Suspension Bridge over the Thomson River at Cowwarr and that he be authorised to prosecute any person interfering with the bridge.

It was recorded on 18.12.1916, that in pursuance of notice steps be taken to aquire the land required for the deviation of the road to the Suspension Bridge, Cowwarr, the said land being the property of Mrs. W. Allen.

On 23.7.1917 Mr. O.S. Martin wrote asking to be allowed to fence in a few panels of land at the Suspension Bridge - left in Cr. Neilson's hands.

Again, there is no mention of the rebuilding of the bridge or an official opening of same, but it is believed to have been rebuilt in 1916 or 1917.

The area continued to be a popular picnic spot and the large grassy area and shady trees made an excellent setting for many school and sports meetings that were conducted there.  It is said that the New Year's Day picnic was a "day not to be missed".  At about this time, Mr. Smith took over the property previously owned by Mr. Blee.

Things continued on in this manner until the big flood in 1934 washed away the second suspension bridge.  In the Shire of Rosedale Minutes of 1935-1936 there is reference to correspondence with the Shire of Maffra regarding the condition of the road at the sire of the Suspension Bridge.

Rosedale Shire Minutes of 20.1.1936 state: "Cr. Morgan, Henderson.  That as it was agreed on conference with the Maffra Shire to substitute a low level bridge in place of the destroyed suspension bridge.  The C.R.B. be asked to allow the grant of £200.0.0 to be expended on material towards the construction thereof and the engineer prepare the necessary plans and specifications."

At the meeting on 16.3.1936 there was an entry approving replacing of the late suspension bridge at Cowwarr by a low-level bridge but stating no further grant be made for same, the amount being available being £194.8.5.

It was moved Cr. D. Morgan, sec Lang, at the meeting of 20.4.1936 "that plans and specifications be prepared and tenders called for all timer required for the proposed low level bridge in place of the damaged suspension bridge at Cowwarr".

The meeting of 15.6.1936 decided - re low level bridge over the Thomson River near Cowwarr, approval for the work being undertaken and consideration will be given for extra grant but plans. etc., must be sent for Board's approval.

The venue was still a popular picnic area and in the late 1930's to early 1940's a committee of management was formed to control buses, etc.  It is believed that on one day there were 20 buses there.  The Committee planted many shade trees and improved the area.

Evidently there was as much procrastination in the building of the low level bridge as there was in the building of the two suspension bridges as a search of the Rosedale Shire Minutes to 1938 did not reveal when the bridge was completed.

Severe floods in 1952 again created havoc at the Cowwarr bridge site, causing a division in the Thomson River, with the breakaway becoming known as Rainbow Creek (which, in later years, caused many problems).  The beautiful grassed area and shade trees of the Reserve were victims of the flood and were washed downstream.   The previous picnic area was left as just a large sheet of water.  Debris over 8 ft. high piled up against a huge palm tree near Mr. Smith's house, and this saved the home from being washed away.

There was no picnic reserve for public use and some 6 to 8 months after the flood, the committee of management, in conjunction with the people of the district, agreed to purchase a block of land in Cowwarr and remove Mr. Smith's house to this block in exchange for the land near the picnic area.  Mr. Smith agreed to this proposal and the house is now in the main street of Cowwarr.

Over the years the picnic area has been beautified and is once again a popular venue for outdoor activities.  It is Crown Land, and is maintained by the Rosedale Shire Council.