Turn around for La La Turntable

By Mara Pattison-Sowden
TWO months after Upper Yarra residents cried vandalism over the LaLa Turntable, Edgewater Resort has shown commitment to its preservation and given a descriptive account of its work on the site.
The details haven’t converted the thoughts of some residents that still believe the historic railway turntable no longer looks as it did when the rail closed in 1965.
What occurred between 1965 and the clearing of two months ago is also unknown.
Residents were furious several weeks ago after clearing had taken place around the La La Turntable, revealing that significant brickwork had been removed from the siding, which sits on Crown Land between the Warburton Recreation Reserve and Edgewater Resort Development.
But Edgewater Resort developer Garry Crockett said allegations that his local contractors had damaged the turntable were “unsubstantiated and mischievous”.
Mr Crockett claimed photographic evidence showed the turntable had been buried under dirt and rubbish for much of the past 40 years.
He said an examination of photos taken in 1964 shows the turntable to be the same now as it was back then.
“The contractors involved are Warburton residents who have a strong commitment to the heritage and natural values of Warburton,” he said.
“Works were carried out slowly and carefully with blackberries, poplars and other weeds being removed before excavating hooping and strapping iron, concrete, timber, corrugated iron and other rubbish from on top of, and around the turntable.
Mr Crockett said he applauded the effort that has gone into creating, maintaining and promoting the Lilydale to Warburton Rail Trail.
Yarra Ranges mayor Terry Avery said council has been working with Edgewater, DSE and the Upper Yarra River Reserves Committee of Management to facilitate discussions on the way forward.