Seymour’s Wooden Wonder budget concerns raised

It has a place in many residents’ and visitors’ memories despite having been closed to pedestrians since 1998 due to vandalism.

Residents and volunteers are calling for its restoration but fear their plans might not go through any time soon.

Mitchell Shire Council CEO Bret Luxford, however, said council understands the importance of the Old Goulburn River Bridge and is working to preserve and restore the significant historical structure.

Volunteer Carolynne Blackwell said she was concerned that if the bridge wasn’t retained in year one of each budget, then the rebuild wouldn’t happen.

“I’ve discovered that the bridge was supposed to be repaired in the next 12 months according to last year’s report,” Ms Blackwell said.

Mitchell Shire Council’s budget last year included repairs to the underside of the bridge, the reconnection of the bridge to each embankment and its framing.

Ms Blackwell said the draft budget for 2024-25 and beyond did not include the full bridge repairs in year one.

“It has also split the repairs of the bottom of the bridge into two parts (stage one and stage two) and doesn’t specify what each part involves,” she said.

“My understanding is that stage one is for the wrapping of the pylons and sourcing of timber and that stage two is for the reconnecting of the bridge to the embankments and for framing it.

“If the repairs are not included in full in year one of the budget, then it is very likely that the repairs will never be done, and the bridge will be removed some time down the track.”

The bridge is state-level heritage-registered at the Register of the National Estate, classified by the National Trust, listed on the Victorian Heritage Register and protected by council’s heritage overlay.

The bridge is also listed as a high-priority repair and is listed on council’s Advocacy Priority List.

Even today, the bridge is studied by engineering and architecture students because of its unique qualities.

Ms Blackwell said the bridge was a beloved piece of history among Seymour residents and that the community even had a fundraising event almost 15 years ago to save the bridge.

“A hundred thousand dollars is sitting in an account with Seymour Historical Society,” she said.

“When the repairs on the bridge are in the last stage, the funds will be released to council to assist the cost of the repairs.”

Mr Luxford said the budget is still in place and that council had requested quotes for waterproofing works on the bridge that are planned for later this year.

“The proposed budget still contains the full $3.5 million for restoration that was allocated in the previous budget, however it has been allocated over two years instead of one,” he said.

“The proposed budget now contains $2 million in 2024/25 and $1.5 million in 2025/26.

“We have phased this component of the project over two years because there is concern that the full $3.5 million may not be able to be spent in a single financial year.

“This is due to the complex and intricate nature of the works and the need to go through a tender process to select an appropriately skilled contractor.

“The budget also contains a further allocation of $2.4 million in 2026/27 for the future installation of a pedestrian bridge once restoration works are completed.

“Council will continue advocating for funding from State and Federal Government to support this important project.

“Council is currently developing the 2024/25 Council Budget and 4-Year Capital Works Program and would like your input.”

Visit the engagingmitchellshire.com/budget-and-capital-works-24-25 to have your say.