News

Works begin on historic bridge

By Seymour Telegraph

Apr 21, 2026

Waterproofing works have started on Seymour’s heritage-listed Old Goulburn River Bridge. Photo by Billie Davern

Seymour’s historic Old Goulburn River Bridge is undergoing waterproofing works, as Mitchell Shire Council sets out to meet Heritage Act requirements.

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In March last year, council opted to cancel the full restoration of the bridge, citing the significant cost of the project, the borrowing required for it and the lack of external funding received as reasons for objection.

Last July, councillors voted to maintain the structure in its current condition, meeting conservation and Heritage Act requirements, with no further restoration works planned.

Council allocated $150,000 for the waterproofing works and committed to an ongoing program of surveillance and maintenance to ensure the structure doesn’t deteriorate further.

“These works are about caring for an important local structure and making sure it doesn’t deteriorate further,” Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said.

“I want to be clear that this does not change council’s earlier decision to cancel the full restoration project.

“Council has adopted a long-term management approach focused on essential conservation and maintenance.”

The works began on Monday, April 13 and, weather permitting, are expected to be completed by Monday, May 4. They will help slow the deterioration of the structure and protect it from further weather damage.

Residents can expect to see contractors, work vehicles, cranes, machinery and temporary work zones on site.

Exclusion zones are in place at each riverbank, surrounding the bridge’s abutments, to provide safe working zones for contractors and cranes and to protect the public throughout the construction period.

There will also be temporary impacts to the users of the Goulburn River waterway, with exclusion zone buoys in place for boating traffic while cranes and workers are operating.

Council will provide updates if there are any further changes to timing or site impacts.

Cr Dougall said council’s focus was on protecting the bridge while taking a financially responsible approach.

“We know there are strong and differing views in the community about the future of the bridge and we respect that,” he said.

“Our role is to manage this asset responsibly, meet our heritage obligations and balance that with the broader needs of the community and council’s long-term financial sustainability.”

For more information about the works, phone council on 5734 6200.