HERITAGE TO BE LOST THIS WEEK IN THOMPSON SQUARE

The NSW Government has refused to allow a public viewing of the historic convict brickwork in Thompson Square before it is destroyed this week.

Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman, told Parliament today that she had had no response from the Minister for Transport or the Member for Hawkesbury following a request in April to allow the community to see the brickwork before it is removed or covered up.

However shortly after raising the matter in Parliament, a letter was received by her office, refusing to permit the public access to the site.

“This is a piece of history, around 200 years old, which should permanently be on display to show the innovation of our forebears,” Ms Templeman said.

“But if the NSW Government is so hell-bent on destroying this historic site, for the sake of a single extra lane, rather than a proper bypass, the very least they can do is let the public see what’s there before it’s too late.”

The drainage system archaeologists uncovered, which is around 200 years old, includes a long circular brick drain about 1.5m in diameter and three brick box drains, closer to the surface, which formerly connected to the barrel drain.

“When I raised the idea of allowing the public to view the brick drains prior to them being removed, the archaeologists advised me that it is very common practise, but that the NSW Government hadn’t requested it in this case.

“I reject the Government’s claims as to why it won’t allow a public viewing – much of the site has to be excavated to remove the box drains over the next few nights.

“I think what’s really going on is the Government knows that if people do actually see what’s there, they will realis