Show your support for Kirwans Bridge

Strathbogie Shire Council is urging people from near and far to show their support for Kirwans Bridge by uploading a video, picture, or written message to a digital wall of supporters.

Launched this week at www.share.www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au the platform allows people to explain why Kirwans Bridge is important to them.

Mayor, Cr Laura Binks, said the digital wall of support would then be sent to potential funders to show how important the bridge was to the Kirwans Bridge community and further afield.

“Strathbogie Shire Council is committed to a long-term sustainable future for Kirwans Bridge,” Cr Binks said.

“Thanks to the Kirwans Bridge Community Panel we have a community-led design, and we know how much it’s going to cost.

“All we need now is the funding, so we are doing everything we can to send a message to the Victorian and Australian governments that cannot be ignored.”

Council has been working with the Kirwans Bridge Community Panel to determine the best option for the bridge’s long-term future. The panel endorsed two options, these being:

Option 2.1: maintains the existing single lane bridge by undertaking a full renovation including replacing the decking with timber planks and steel girders. It has a 25-year lifespan as is estimated to cost about $5.5 million.

Option 2.2: also maintains the existing single lane bridge by undertaking a full renovation and including replacing the timber decking with concrete deck slab. It has a 50-year lifespan and is estimated to cost about $6.5 million.

Cr Binks said Council’s recent advocacy workshop provided the opportunity for Council and the community to come together to brainstorm out-of-the-box advocacy ideas.

“This is the first idea ticked off the list, but there are many more to come,” she said.

“This is an essential piece of infrastructure in our shire, and we need your support to send this message to government.

“Together we can achieve great things.”

To share your support head to www.share.www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au. Supporters can upload a video or picture or simply write something on the digital wall.

“Showing your support is easy and we’re confident it will go a long way is helping us secure funding for Kirwans Bridge,” Cr Binks said.