Support for plans to demolish bridge

By Georgia Tacey

Feb 12, 2025

Plans to demolish Chinamans Bridge in Nagambie are being supported by the community. Photo: Strathbogie Shire Council.

The Strathbogie community has backed calls to demolish Chinamans Bridge in Nagambie.

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Strathbogie Shire Council has received formal advice from Heritage Victoria, confirming that 32 submissions were received during the public notice period for the application to demolish the bridge, with all supporting the motion.

Some submissions supported demolition but with the exception of the land-based abutments.

Heritage Victoria has advised that no formal response is required to the submissions, and there is no additional request for information at this stage.

“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 suffered extensive damage from the 2022 floods. Photo: Strathbogie Shire Council.

The heritage-listed timber bridge sustained extensive damage during the October 2022 floods, which caused significant structural damage.

Council is planning to meet with Heritage Victoria to address the urgency of the permit approval, with the funding tied to the project needing to be expended by June 30.

“We want to reinforce the importance of meeting the funding deadline and the necessity of moving forward with this project as soon as possible,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.

“Council will continue advocating for the best possible outcome for our community.

“We will continue to advocate to state and federal government for the balance of funds to complete the demolition (pending the approval of the permit).”