A small number of local stakeholders were invited by Parks Victoria to climb the scaffolding around Maldon’s Beehive Chimney and inspect the remedial works project on Monday 27 October. It was terrifying and informative, but some members of the community took the opportunity to express discontentment about how the process has been communicated.

Project builder Simon Davies from CIDA gave a briefing prior to the climb. “It’s taken a lot of weather, a lot of beating,” he said of the 164-year-old structure. “It’s in amazingly good condition.”

He explained that all building materials absorb and release moisture, with brick failure at the chimney occurring because prior repairs used materials that were incompatible with the existing bricks. “The soft brick and the cement mortar mean that the salts get drawn to the exterior and it remains moist.”

The intrepid climbers braved the gusty wind to hear from Mr Davies about the layered brickwork, observe the deterioration and note the curve of the bricks that are being carefully removed and numbered in order to rebuild most of the top section. A highlight, so to speak, were paw imprints of a cheeky cat that might have sought warmth by the brick kiln during construction. Historian Derek Reid from Maldon Museum and Archives Association was able to provide extra historic details, saying that the chimney was built from within. “They came up from the inside, used wooden scaffolding and then put a match to it,” Derek said.

Once everyone was safe on earth, local resident Anthony gave an impromptu and impassioned speech, saying that he had been speaking to people in Maldon who were upset that more consultation had not occurred before commencement of the works. “We want to get to brave conversations, we haven’t been afforded the brave conversations,” he said, adding that locals with concerns are writing to Parks Victoria and Heritage Victoria.

Brief summary of the Beehive Chimney Project

Parks Victoria’s plans for the project were publicly available online when Heritage Victoria sought public feedback in late June. The works are being undertaken because an independent engineering assessment identified that the chimney required immediate repair work to secure its structural integrity and prevent falling bricks or collapse. Traditional lime mortar and a secure metal cap will prevent further brick weathering. The works will also improve the structure’s earthquake rating and improve public safety.

The project involves deconstructing approximately 7m from the top of the chimney, which is why it currently looks dramatically shorter. However, the bricks are being salvaged in order to partially rebuild. According to the plans, it will result in a permanent reduction in the chimney’s height by approximately 3.7 metres.

Options to rebuild and reinforce the chimney to its full height were deemed unachievable within the timeframe and budget available. Parks Victoria maintains that the current works do not exclude the possibility of future endeavours to rebuild to the current height, should further funding ever become available for the task.

Stay informed, read your local newspaper

The Tarrangower Times continues its endeavours to be an information conduit between authorities and the community about this and other heritage projects, publishing updates about plans, permits and community consultation efforts. Misinformation continues to be shared in other spaces, creating confusion and uncertainty; readers are encouraged to point to the Tarrangower Times as a source for up-to-date information. Also, the TT website contains searchable archives and past editions, all available to subscribers for only $8.50 per month.

The Beehive Company Gold Mine permit (P40992) is available for viewing at: tinyurl.com/mr2333x6.

This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 31 October 2025.
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