“The bridge is quintessentially Yarrawonga Mulwala, it is an icon for our community,” Mr Wright said.
“The locals are emotionally attached to the bridge, the visitors are intrigued with the bridge and unique character.”
Mr Wright said the recent confirmation from NSW Roads and Maritime (RMS) that they want to knock down the old bridge is nothing new.
“RMS has maintained the non-retention of the current bridge for some time. Now they say they have a ‘parliamentary decision’ and it is ‘final’.
“If everyone has a serious think about it, parliamentary decisions are never final. Governments are famous for back-flipping onissues and decisions.
“People power equates to votes andparliamentarians are always chasing votes and they will do what is required to get your vote.
“Those of you who are a little older will no doubt remember the people of Yarrawonga Mulwala rising up and marching on the traffic bridge to save ADI, now Thales, from a government decision to close the factory. The people won,” Mr Wright said.
At last month’s Federation Council meeting in Urana council’s General Director Engineering Services Steve Carmichael advised the existing bridge will not be retained following completion of a new structure, on whichever route after recent discussions with RMS.
RMS has also requested that this month’s postal ballot, where Mulwala-based residents are to be surveyed as to their preference for either the grey or green route for the new bridge, clearly state that the non-retention of existing bridge will be for either route.
Mr Wright said he has learnt two things around the bridge decision.
“A vote for the grey route is a death sentence for the current traffic bridge. The grey route shares the same abutments as the existing bridge on both sides of the river making it impossible to save the old bridge and complete the grey bridge.
“A vote for the green route provides the opportunity to save the existing bridge.”
Mr Wright believes “power of the people” can be extremely influential in a robust democracy like Australia’s.
“We have time on our side to influence the decision makers,” Mr Wright says.
“From a tourism perspective the current traffic bridge has real intrinsic value for Yarrawonga Mulwala.
Mr Wright emphasised that tourism is a primary contributor to the local economy.
“It’s integral to the future growth profile of Yarrawonga Mulwala. Outdoor passive recreational tourism will be a significant market for Yarrawonga Mulwala moving forward. We see the current traffic bridge being front and centre of this movement.”
Mr Wright said support for the green route from ClubMulwala and the Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort board of directors is already clear.
“I have also held discussions with Peter Duncan, CEO of the Mulwala Water Ski Club, who is a vehement supporter of saving the old bridge.”
Mr Wright said they are now looking into forming a ‘Save the Bridge’ committee including the Yarrawonga Mulwala Historical Society who could pursue the heritage significance of the bridge and help move it towards a formal Heritage Listing.
A new Mulwala Yarrawonga crossing, which is expected to cost over $100 million, has now been lifted to third in priority ranking for bridge replacements along the Murray River behind the Swan Hill Bridge (already designed), followed by the Tooleybuc Bridge (not yet designed).
RMS expects the weir bridge to be closed by mid-2020, however no firm date has been advised as to the actual closure date by managing authority Murray Darling Basin Authority.
