Gipps Street bridge replacement project

Design and construction contracts have been signed for Port Fairy’s new Gipps Street Bridge, marking a major step towards the replacement of the critical river crossing.

Following a competitive tender process, Council endorsed the appointment of Murray Constructions Pty Ltd to undertake the design and construction of the new bridge, with contracts finalised and signed this week.

Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett said the project is a critical investment in the town’s future.

“This is a major step forward for this vital project and an important investment in critical infrastructure for Port Fairy,” Cr Lockett said.

“The existing bridge has served us well for more than a century, but it is no longer fit for purpose. This new bridge will improve safety, connectivity and reliability for residents, businesses and visitors.”

The new bridge will be a reinforced concrete structure designed to accommodate vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists, whilst also improving flood resilience.

The existing timber bridge, built in the early 1900s, has reached the end of its serviceable life and is currently subject to load and speed restrictions. Independent assessments confirmed that replacement is the only viable long-term solution.

The project is supported by $5 million through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, alongside a $2.75 million contribution from Council. The total project cost is $7.75 million.

“We’re grateful to Senator Raff Ciccone for his support on this critical infrastructure project.”

Cr Lockett said Murray Constructions demonstrated strong capability and experience in delivering similar projects, and their tender was within budget.

“Their proven track record and practical approach give us confidence this project will be delivered efficiently and to a high standard,” he said.

Work will now begin on the functional design phase ahead of key approval applications to Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority and the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Action.

Construction is expected to take up to ten months, with demolition and construction timelines to be confirmed as planning progresses. A full bridge closure is expected to be in place for a period of up to six months.

Cr Lockett said community input would continue to shape the project.

“We understand how much the current bridge has meant to people over the years and the new design will acknowledge its history with certain design elements," he said.

“We’ve heard the community also values safe walking and cycling access, and we’ll continue to reflect that in the final plans.”

“Council is fully aware of the disruption construction will have to residents, visitors, businesses, and sporting clubs, and through the the dedicated Community Reference Group we have commenced community meetings about how we can best navigate this process” said Cr Lockett.

Council will provide regular updates throughout the project via the Engage Moyne website, social media, local media, signage and the Community Reference Group.

Replacing a bridge is a huge project which requires a significant amount of planning and preparation before works can begin on site. This work has been occurring behind the scenes since $5 million in funding was secured from the Federal Government, which confirmed the replacement project would proceed.

To date the following essential tasks have been completed:

▪ Relocation of telecommunication assets

▪ Secured project funding through the Federal Government’s Safer Local Road Program

▪ Developed Communication & Engagement Summary Plan and resources

▪ Community engagement on concept plan/design

▪ Started liaison with VicRoads, DEECA, CMA and other authorities

▪ Audit of required permits and approvals - ongoing

▪ Engagement with Wannon Water on temporary and permanent water and sewer supply

▪ Established Community Reference Group

▪ Formalised project management, funding setup and governance activities (PCG)

▪ Completed Environmental Assessment Report

▪ Completed Geotechnical Report

▪ Completed flood modelling

▪ Prepared Procurement and Probity Plan

▪ Development of tender specification and documents

▪ Management of public tender process

▪ Currently undertaking tender evaluation

Each of these steps are critical to the project progressing and the replacement project commencing within proposed time frames. So while it may not look like there is any progress, there has been plenty happening quietly, behind the scenes.

Moyne Shire Council hosted a Gipps Street Bridge Community Reference Group meeting on 19 May 2026. Community representatives joined chair Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett and members of Council’s project management team, as well as representatives from contractor Murray Construction.

Please refer to Documents area of this page for:
- Meeting 19 May 2026 agenda
- Meeting 19 May 2026 presentation
- Meeting 19 May 2026 minutes

The community is also welcome to continue to post questions about the project via the Q&A section on this page; via email to which Council will respond directly; or which can also be tabled at future Community Reference Group meetings.

The next meeting has been scheduled for 1pm, 27 July 2026.

Moyne Shire Council held the first Gipps Street Bridge Community Reference Group meeting on 2 March 2026. Community representatives were selected from an Expressions of Interest process undertaken in October 2025. The Group is chaired by Mayor Cr Jordan Lockett with members of Council’s project management team also in attendance.

Please refer to Documents area of this page for:
- Meeting 2 March 2026 agenda and presentation
- Meeting 2 March 2026 minutes

The community is also welcome to continue to post questions about the project via the Q&A section on this page; via email to which Council will respond directly; or which can also be tabled at future Community Reference Group meetings.

The next meeting has been scheduled for 2pm, 11 May 2026.

As part of the Gipps Street Bridge Replacement project, Council recently sought community feedback on various aspects of the concept design for the new bridge through a community survey on Council’s Engage Moyne project page.

The survey attracted 120 responses with the majority (72%) being from Port Fairy residents and business operators.

Key responses for design features of the new bridge included:

• Opportunities to retain some of the bluestone features
• Looking at how the current design of the white pedestrian handrails can be incorporated into the design
• Keeping the overall design of the new bridge clean and simple
• Incorporating the proposed pedestrian viewing area with potentially seating and interpretive / information signage
• Lighting for pedestrian wayfinding – the type of lighting received a mix of responses from overhead bridge lighting, footpath downlighting, and in footpath uplighting. This will be investigated further as part of the detailed design phase.

The provision of bike lanes either on the bridge or as part of the pedestrian walkway with a mix of commentary on the need for safety for all users including pedestrians, cyclists, prams, strollers, and mobility equipment. Further assessment of bike lane treatments including regulations and optimum outcomes for all users will be undertaken as part of detailed design work.

There were some great ideas received on recognition of the history of the current bridge that was built in 1902. These included:

• Re-use of timbers for other projects or art works
• Document the history of the bridge and previous river crossings, and include any local stories about the bridge
• Information / interpretive signage / plaque
• Artist sketches or paintings, or a photographic record of the bridge
• Recognition of traditional owners – artwork, signage, naming

Commentary was also received around keeping the community informed about the bridge project, impacts during construction and timeframes. Council is committed to ensuring that regular and timely communications are provided. In addition, Council will be working with community project reference group as part of Council’s ongoing engagement across the life of the project. This will enable the sharing of ideas, community concerns and improve Council’s communications.

A summary of the community concept design feedback is provided in the project document library.

Council is seeking Expressions of Interest from local community members who would like to be part of the Gipps Street Bridge Community Reference Group.

The Reference Group will be part of Council's engagement program across the life of the project. It will enable the sharing of ideas, community concerns and questions, improve Council's communications and act as a contact point for Council and the wider community.

The Reference Group will comprise a Councillor representative and Council officers from the project team, and local business operators, service groups and residents. The Group will meet on a bi-monthly basis during the first phases of the project starting from February 2026. Any changes to meeting frequency once construction commences will be discussed and agreed with the Group. A terms of reference and supporting protocols will be provided to confirmed Group members.

Council will review all Expressions of Interest received and aim for a balance of age, representation, skills and interests.

Expressions of Interest have now closed.

Engage Moyne Privacy Collection Notice

Council has appointed Aquatica Environmental to undertake terrestrial and aquatic environmental assessments of the works zone for the Gipps Street Bridge. Aquatica Environmental has undertaken a range of similar projects for major bridge and road projects along the Great Ocean Road and southern Victoria and brings professional and qualified expertise to this process.

Starting in late September, the Aquatica team will undertake:

• desktop and onsite assessments aquatic and terrestrial biodiversity, flora, fauna and estuarine habitats, including seasons considerations
• Identify ecologically significant area
• Identify potential direct and indirect impacts of the bridge project
• Identify any legislative and regulatory triggers
• Develop environmental management and mitigation measures for inclusion in the project Construction and Environmental Management Plan
• Develop an environment impacts and risk register.

The report and its findings will be considered and reviewed as part of ongoing works planning processes, with the final report due mid-November.

Moyne Shire Council would like to acknowledge the Federal Government $5 million funding contribution to the project through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure program.