Strathbogie Shire Council has received formal advice from Heritage Victoria confirming that 32 submissions were received during the public notice period, which closed January 28, for the application to demolish Chinaman’s Bridge.
All 32 submissions supported Council’s permit to demolish the structure, except for the land-based abutments. This overwhelming community endorsement reinforces the steps Council has taken to address the ongoing concerns surrounding the deteriorating bridge.
“This is a great outcome that demonstrates strong support for Council’s decisions and the actions taken to date,” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart Kennedy said. “We are committed to ensuring that this process moves forward efficiently while addressing community safety and heritage considerations.”
Chinamans Bridge is a heritage-listed timber bridge that sustained extensive damage during the October 2022 floods. An engineering assessment conducted in January 2023 determined that the bridge had suffered severe structural damage, presenting a significant safety risk to the community, contractors working in the area, and waterway users.
Council is now seeking a meeting with Heritage Victoria to emphasise the urgency of the permit approval. The project is tied to funding that must be expended by June 30 2025, and the Council is eager to ensure timely progress.
