A surprise find has been uncovered as part of the new Nelligen bridge works.
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Parts of what is believed to be the pulley system for the old punt were discovered in scrub, which the Batemans Bay Historical Society said used to be farmland.
“It’s some interesting history we found while clearing the area,” said Luke Brodie of the RMS.
“We followed an unexpected finds procedure, had them identified, and we’re going to hand them over to the historic society.”
Ewan Morrison, of the Batemans Bay Historical Society, said he was surprised, but pleased, by the find.
“At some point this was farmland, all this area, so it’s a bit surprising that it would end up here,” Mr Morrison said.
“They’re part of the history of the river – this river has been important for maritime history for the better part of a century now.
“Nelligen was the main port and the opening for the Kings Highway up to Braidwood and the goldfields at Araluen … ships plied from Sydney and Melbourne. It was a quicker way to market than rail or road in those days.
“The punt really opened up the road to Canberra. The steamships were all seconded to the war effort in WWII, and that put pressure on the roads – using the punt, people were able to get goods down.
“It isn’t called ‘Eurobodalla, the land of many waters’ for no reason.”