News

On the road again: Kotta’s journey home

By Adair Winder

Jun 7, 2022

You raise me up: Kotta Station has now returned to its original home on the Kotta Railway after 40 years of displacement in the Port of Echuca. Photo by Steve Huntley

On the morning of June 7, onlookers gathered for the momentous removal of the Kotta Station from the Port of Echuca, after more than 40 years of displacement.

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The station has now officially been re-located to its original home, on the Kotta Railway, at the corner of Echuca-Mitiamo and Lockington Rds.

Kotta Station was lifted by crane onto a truck which was escorted by a pilot vehicle to the railway.

Upon preparing the foundation of the site for the the station’s return, one of the original signs for the station was found underground.

Xavier Johnson was using a metal detector on site when he found the sign buried 10cm underground.

David Hammond, one of the Lockington community members who advocated for the re-location, said that they were completely blown away by the find.

“We just couldn’t believe our luck,” Mr Hammond said.

“It’s just funny because we’ve been there a number of times digging around and then all of a sudden on Saturday morning (May 4), we came across the historical sign, just in time for the station’s move in.”

The sign will be proudly displayed alongside the station.

Mr Hammond said it was fantastic to witness such an important moment in time.

“This is history in the making,” Mr Hammond said.

“Our community is excited to have the station back where it belongs.”

In terms of the now bare Echuca Port, council has advised the solid fence on the wharf would be removed and a fence allowing for clearer visibility would be subsequently installed.