A new Aboriginal artwork and a series of non-Aboriginal heritage interpretation signs
will be unveiled today at the new Medlow Bath pedestrian bridge and station precinct,
providing valuable insights into the history of the village.
Indigenous artist Shay Tobin's artwork, Garada Garrayura, featuring black cockatoos
and concentric rings that symbolise the connection of communities across the Blue
Mountains, has been sandblasted into concrete at the entrance to the pedestrian
bridge on the westbound side of the Great Western Highway.
In addition, interpretive signs placed on the pedestrian bridge and within the station
precinct tell the history of Med low Bath and its famous Hydro Majestic.
The pedestrian bridge is a key feature of the upgrade of the Great Western Highway at
Med low Bath, delivering a huge boost to pedestrian safety in the area.
It is a unique structure featuring sleek curves that was designed with the help of the
community, heritage architects, Heritage NSW and Blue Mountains City Council to
meet the community's needs and sit neatly within the Med low Bath landscape without
detracting from Medlow Bath's village feel.
The pedestrian bridge weighs 178 tonnes and comprises six individual segments, each
constructed from Australian-made steel out of Bluescope Port Kembla. It opened for
public use in April.
Meanwhile, work is continuing on the 1.2-kilometre duplication of the Great Western
Highway through Medlow Bath with work well under way to widen the road to four lanes
with a central median and dedicated turning lanes.
The highway widening and associated work is due for completion in late 2025.
Member for Blue Mountains, Trish Doyle said:
“This pedestrian bridge, with its unique sweeping curves, was designed with great input from the local community to be not just a way for people to safely cross the new four-lane Great Western Highway but to also add to the visual appeal of Medlow Bath.
“Shay Tobin’s beautiful Garada Garrayura is a fitting addition, sitting permanently at the northern entrance to the pedestrian bridge and reflecting the ancient route across the Blue Mountains that has long connected the Dharug, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri peoples.”
Federal Member for Macquarie, Susan Templeman said:
“I appreciate the efforts to incorporate creative design into the bridge because there’s always a place for art.
“The steel bench seat, to be known as the Footbridge Rest Stop, gives a nod to Medlow Bath’s past as an escape for people seeking pure air and relaxation, while interpretive heritage signs share some of Medlow Bath and the wonderful Hydro Majestic history.”
MEDIA:
Brenda Cunningham-Lewis
