The bridge is not only a critical link to the Kirwans Bridge township, it is also a popular tourist attraction.
But for more than a decade its future has been in the balance due to structural deterioration.
In March, Strathbogie Shire Council reduced the bridge’s load limit from six to three tonnes.
“It was a difficult decision, but one that was made to ensure the safety of those using thebridge,” Strathbogie Shire Mayor Chris Raeburn said.
“A detailed inspection and assessment of the load carrying capacity of Kirwans Bridge foundthe bridge is in poor condition and there are several maintenance items that need attention.”
The council is now calling for community members to join the Kirwans BridgeCommunity Panel to decide the historic bridge’s future.Expressions of interest are now open, and close on June 2 at 5 pm.
Cr Raeburn said the panel would help decide how best to continue access for thecommunity, while also protecting the historic significance of the bridge and its status a tourist attraction.
“This is a genuine way for the shire to work with those most affected and to solve thisimportant issue together,” he said.
The purpose of the Community Panel is to;● Facilitate broader community involvement in discussions regarding the bridge’s future;● Capture local knowledge, issues, concerns and opportunities;● Coordinate responses from the shire in relation to concerns and requests;● Plan a future for Kirwans Bridge.
Kirwans Bridge spans the Goulburn River near Nagambie and at 310 m is the longest timber bridge in Victoria. The only comparable bridge is in Barwon Heads, which is 308 m long.
Kirwans Bridge was opened in 1890, and is on the Victorian Heritage Register. Its future has long been a point of contention and in the mid-1950s it led to a municipal secession movement that enlarged the Shire of Goulburn at the expense of the original builders, the Shire of Waranga.
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