06 Jun 2017 Country News insert, Shepparton VIC (General News) The historic Barmah Punt will receive a new lease on life thanks to more than $200 000 in funding towards the conservation of the Murray Rivers oldest cable punt ferry. The funding, announced on May 15 by State Member for Northern Victoria Jaclyn Symes, will see the punt lifted from its current location in the Jack Edwards Park and placed on a new cradle structure to allow for improved public access. The funding is part of the Victorian Governments $30 million Living Heritage Grants program and will allow for conservation works, including: removing the punt from rot and fungal attack in its current location, enabling a structural and condition assessment, constructing a base under the punt and constructing supports to allow the punt to rest in a stable condition. Ms Symes said the punt was of historical significance for facilitating intercolonial trade between Victoria and NSW. We want to make sure its remembered as fondly in retirement as it was during its working days, she said. The punt was originally built by the NSW Department of Main Roads in Euston and remained in use until the 1960s. It is also recognised as one of Victorias earliest motorised timber cable punts, replacing an earlier punt which had been in use since the 1860s. Moira Shire Council contributed $29 000 towards the restoration with Mayor Gary Cleveland celebrating the planned restorations. The punt provided a vital lifeline to the community of Barmah and beyond for 37 years between 1929 and 1966 when the bridge was built, Cr Cleveland said. The Barmah punt is an important part of our history and this funding will allow it to be conserved for future generations. Caption Text: The Barmah Punt will be repaired and restored. Licensed by Copyright Agency. You may only copy or communicate this work with a licence.