MURRINDINDI: ‘Don’t short-change us on bridge’
Murrindindi Shire Council is calling for tenders to reinstate Breakaway Bridge at
Acheron.
The Council is telling State and Federal Governments that full funding is needed to deliver a safe, functional and future- proofed bridge.
Breakaway Bridge was damaged in the October 2022 floods, severing a vital connection for Acheron and surrounding districts.
“Since then, Council has worked with Emergency Recovery Victoria and other agencies under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to secure a replacement crossing,” said a Murrindindi Council representative.
“Council recently received an offer from ERV of $5.2 million to cover construction and project costs to date.
“Independent advice and Council’s own assessments indicate that delivering a resilient bridge to contemporary standards will cost significantly more than this amount.
“To preserve the current funding offer and maintain momentum, Council is calling for tenders this month seeking two design-and-construct options, with submissions due by the end of October:
“Option One – ERV supported: single-lane bridge with traffic lights and battery
backup; demolition of the original timber bridge
“Option Two – Alternative: dual-lane bridge built to contemporary standards, without reliance on traffic lights; demolition of the original timber bridge ERV has indicated its funding would support construction of a 105-metre single lane bridge with traffic signals.
“While such a design would technically carry vehicles, Council is concerned this option does not meet contemporary Australian road and bridge design standards. “Reliance on traffic lights introduces risks in a disaster-prone area with frequent power outages, heavy fog and limited emergency access.
“Independent advice confirms that a dual-lane bridge is the only compliant and resilient solution for this location.
“The Acheron community is no stranger to disasters. “It has endured the 2009 fires, major floods in 2022 and 2024, and frequent power and communication outages.
“These conditions demand resilient infrastructure that ensures safety, emergency access, and reliable connectivity. Transport Accident Commission data confirms this region is already overrepresented in serious road injuries and fatalities.”
The Council wrote on Friday (Oct. 3) to Vicki Ward, Minister for Emergency Services; Jaclyn Symes, Minister for Regional
Development; and Melissa Horne, Minister for Roads and Road Safety.
The Council isd calling for urgent support to secure funding for a dual-lane bridge that meets contemporary standards and restores safety and resilience for the Acheron community.
Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said this issue goes beyond replacing a bridge.