MT. DELEGATE / DELEGATE HILL

	Grid Reference	FU 684907
	Department	DSE
	Work Depot	Bendoc
	Region	Gippsland
	Grading	Primary
	Elevation (ASL)	1308m
	Height	Tower: ?m Cabin: ?m
	Construction	Steel
	Cabin size	3m x 3m
	Public access to site	Yes
	In use since	19??-1953 (wooden phone box) 1953 - 1978 (18m wooden) 1978 - (current)
	CFA Region	11 - Eastern

Photos supplied by Paul Jones

A handwritten memorandum, dated 14th December 1951 and found in notes supplied by David Bannear describes the Delegate Hill lookout as follows:
"On the southern extremity of the peak the lookout establishment comprises a wooden phone box, a sighting card mounted on a stump, a few sheets of iron to act as shelter and to collect rain water in a small tank".
The letter asks for improvement to the access track and a new lookout tower. The Forest Commission came back with three suggestions:
1) Bibbenluke Shire Council provide 12' tower with enclosed cabin on top.
2) Commission build a separate hut for accommodation.
3) Commission hut and observation cabin be built and cost shared equally.

After heavy winds in January 1978, the wooden tower received damage to the cabin supports in the south west corner and an urgent inspection was called for. In the interim the towerman had been advised "to vacate the tower when winds are gusty or generally exceed 15km/h".
The tower was inspected by engineers on the 7th March 1978 and the conclusion read: "the tower is not considered safe in its present condition". Recommendation was to: "replace the tower as soon as funding will permit".

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