In October 2022 our region was hit by a major flood. This has had a significant impact. It has forced the closure of Kirwans Bridge and the establishment of an exclusion zone under
Chinamans Bridge.
Kirwans Bridge Update
As advised, Kirwans Bridge is closed while we wait for a structural report from our insurance assessors. The inspection of Kirwans Bridge is taking longer than other bridges (despite our continued advocacy), but we are sure you understand the construction of this bridge is very different to other more modern structures.
The safety of our community is our priority. We will not reopen the bridge until we know it is safe to do so. We will continue to provide updates through Council's website, our social media channels and the Community Voice. We cannot provide a timeline for this, as the assessment is outside our control.
Chinamans Bridge Update
An exclusion zone has been established under Chinamans Bridge after a structural assessment found it will collapse. It is not safe to travel underneath this bridge.
Council is advocating relevant government departments, to understand the next steps. We have made it very clear; this issue must be rectified as quickly as possible. The importance
of waterway access is essential to our region's economy.
Waterways update
Lake Nagambie and the Goulburn River is open; however, an exclusion zone has been established for 100m on either side of Chinaman's Bridge. This is because a structural assessment has
found the bridge will collapse and is unsafe.
Kirwans Bridge was also assessed and was found to be safe to travel underneath (on the water). This is separate to the structural assessment we are waiting on to establish the bridge as safe to travel across via a vehicle.
Weir Rd update
We hope to have the redesign (which will ensure access is not impacted during floods like in October 2022) to Council for approval ASAP and the works are programmed to be completed by
June 2023. If we need to call an extraordinary meeting of Council to approve a variation and progress work, we will.
Kirwans Bridge Community Panel
We are proud of the work we are doing with the panel. Their input is essential in ensuring the future solution for Kirwans Bridge meets the needs of the community. The panel is not just to provide input into our decision making, it is to ensure a collaborative approach to seek funding for works to occur.
Based on the panel's input we have established priorities for the bridge's future, and we are working through the tender process to have these options designed and costed
