New roof for courthouse

The state heritage listed building has been at risk for some time due to the state of its existing roof. Leaks have created mould and damp patches is several places including the old courtroom.

But following the successful grant funding application to NSW Crown Lands and Reserves, the Bega Valley Genealogy Society which uses the building and houses valuable historic archives there, is to get its new roof.

President of the Bega Valley Genealogy Society Elizabeth McIntyre said some of the existing roof was built in 1860 and there were additions to the building in 1895.

"Until the roof is fixed we can't do any of the internal work. The roof is the top priority and we've had the finger on the pause button for so long now, it's good to know it's finally going to be fixed," Elizabeth said.

Scaffolding will be needed around the building because of the heights involved and the work will include removal of the old roof, gutters, flashings and downpipes althougbh the stainless steel gutters on the cellblock will be retained and reused.

Multiple incursions by vermin over the years means a lot of cleaning in the roof cavity. All work will have to comply with the heritage rules for the building.

Work is due to be completed by early October and in the meantime the building will be closed to the public.

"It's the oldest building in Pamnbula and will be a real benefit to have it done up," Elizabeth said.

The grant included $230,000 for the roof work and $5500 for the development of a conservation management plan.