MT. DELEGATE / DELEGATE HILL


Grid Reference FU 684907
Department DEPI
Work Depot Bendoc
Region Gippsland
Grading Primary
Elevation (ASL) 1308m
Height Tower: 62m
Cabin: 40m
Construction Steel
Cabin size 3m x 3m
Public access to site Yes
In use since 19??-1953 (wooden phone box)
1953 - 1978 (18m wooden)
1978 - (current)
CFA Region 11 - Eastern
Photos supplied by Paul Jones

A handwritten memorandum, dated 14th December 1951 and found in notes supplied by David Bannear describes the Delegate Hill lookout as follows:
"On the southern extremity of the peak the lookout establishment comprises a wooden phone box, a sighting card mounted on a stump, a few sheets of iron to act as shelter and to collect rain water in a small tank".
The letter asks for improvement to the access track and a new lookout tower. The Forest Commission came back with three suggestions:
1) Bibbenluke Shire Council provide 12' tower with enclosed cabin on top.
2) Commission build a separate hut for accommodation.
3) Commission hut and observation cabin be built and cost shared equally.

After heavy winds in January 1978, the wooden tower received damage to the cabin supports in the south west corner and an urgent inspection was called for. In the interim the towerman had been advised "to vacate the tower when winds are gusty or generally exceed 15km/h".
The tower was inspected by engineers on the 7th March 1978 and the conclusion read: "the tower is not considered safe in its present condition". Recommendation was to: "replace the tower as soon as funding will permit".

The Tower has had a new ladder fitted in December 2013. The new ladder is conventional width to replace the previous riggers ladder that required the wearing of a safety harness.
Info supplied in Feb 2014 by Chris Philbrick, FLO Delegate Hill.

Interior photos were taken in December 2010 and the fire photo was taken 9th Feb 2014 Mt. Delegate has some large fires in the area in Jan-Feb 2014
Photos and Info supplied in Feb 2014 by Chris Philbrick, FLO Delegate Hill.

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