Brazen thieves have attacked the historic site of the Bawley Point Gantry cutting off a solid metal ring in what locals are calling a “low act”.
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The attack has happened less than two months after the Gantry was restored, following its destruction in the king tides of the June 2016 east coast low.
Liza Butler chair of the Bawley Point Gantry Committee said the damage was noticed sometime towards the end of January.
“Someone noticed towards the end of the holiday period,” she said.
“They had been there a day or so before and then they were there and noticed it was missing.
“They must have got down there at night with an angle grinder or something because the cut is really neat.
“It's not like it was rusted and falling off or anything.”
The stolen rings sat approximately two metres behind the Gantry, embedded in the rocks, and formed part of the historic site set to be preserved with a historic walk later in the year.
The Gantry has been a popular fixture for locals and tourists alike since its restoration.
“This summer it has been used like you wouldn't believe,” Liza said.
“People have been putting up tents and umbrellas, and having picnics on there. To see so many families enjoy it is amazing.
“But for someone to do this is terrible.”
Locals are puzzled why the rings were targeted by thieves and shocked by the seemingly senseless destruction.
“It is absolutely senseless, it's ridiculous. I mean, what are they going to with it?” Liza said.
“It’s like someone is taking trophies of the Gantry.
“It's a pretty low act. I just don't know who would something like that.”
Work is currently underway, in conjunction with Shoalhaven City Council, to establish the area surrounding the Gantry as a historical site.
“The historical society want signs there to explain the history of the Gantry,” Liza said.
“We are working with council to do a historical walk around the site, explaining the old buildings and that the Gantry was part of an old timber mill.
“We have saved the base of the old Gantry and the metal winch and that will come back and form part of the heritage site.
The historical walk is expected to be completed before the end of the financial year.
The Gantry was one of the last remnants of the timber mill which operated in Bawley Point in the 1800s and burnt down in 1922.
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