Gipps Street bridge replacement project

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.