Moyne Shire Council has revealed new renders based on final concept designs for the new Gipps Street Bridge, giving the community its first glimpse of how the river crossing will look.
The Council says the designs respond directly to community feedback, which called for the new bridge to reflect the current structure and retain the heritage character of the area.
The new bridge will feature a diamond profile top handrail and will be white, in a nod to the current structure. Two lookout areas will feature bluestone paving, reflecting the prominence of the stone across the Port Fairy region, while the concrete blade piers will be stamped to mimic bluestone. Lighting options that can change colour to mark community events are also being explored.
The pedestrian path will remain on the upstream side to connect to the existing footpath network. It will be wider to allow easier passing and feature wayfinding downlighting to improve safety at night. The new bridge deck will also include dedicated cycling lanes on both sides,
improving safety for cyclists.
Mayor, Jordan Lockett said the design retained the bridge’s familiar look and feel while meeting modern construction, design and safety standards.
“Overwhelmingly, the community told us they wanted the new bridge to look like what’s already there,” he said.
“Like many people, I was nervous about the bridge losing its character, but after seeing the designs, I’m pumped with how it’s going to look – it’s got the character of the old bridge, but with some fantastic new additions I think the community will love.”
Mayor Lockett said signage in the new lookout areas would tell the story of the bridge and where possible, stone and timber from the current bridge would be saved and reused for interpretation or landscaping.
He said applications for the necessary works permits had been lodged. Once approved, timelines for construction and closures would be announced, with an early 2027 start still the target.
“This is an exciting project, but it comes with challenges. A closure is expected for up to eight months, and Council is working on a plan to manage that period,” Mayor Lockett said.
“It’s a critical one-in-100-year project and a full closure is unavoidable. The Bridge Closure Management Plan is in draft, and we are drawing on information gathered at drop-in sessions, through the community reference group, and from businesses and clubs to make sure all our
bases are covered.
“Once the draft is complete, we will release it for community feedback and make any adjustments needed. We have already taken on board feedback about improving footpaths and the areas around the footbridge, because it’s about to get a whole lot more use.
“Emergency services will be a huge part of this too, and we’re actively working with them.”
More than 100 people attended a community drop-in session in Port Fairy on Wednesday night, where plans and renders were on display, giving community members the opportunity to hear from and provide feedback to Council’s project team.
The Mayor said further sessions would be held in the coming months as the project gathered pace.
“We are a strong, resilient community, and working together, we’ll manage this challenge brilliantly,” he said.
