Kirwans Bridge, Nagambie

Why is it important?

The 310 metres long Kirwans Bridge is situated over the Goulburn River at Bailieston near Nagambie.  It was opened in 1890, and is still in use for motor traffic.  The bridge features a dramatic mid-stream bend, and is also unique in its incorporation of two vehicle passing-bays.  It is of historical significance as a work directly associated with Alfred Deakin’s dream of a great irrigation system based upon the construction of the Goulburn Weir.

Why is it at risk?

In 2000 this bridge was successfully nominated to the Victorian Heritage Register from the Trust’s Timber Bridges Study and the Trust also successfully opposed its threatened closure some years later.  It has now been closed again due to structural issues.  This not only threatens the survival of what is the longest timber road bridge in Victoria, but is also strongly opposed by locals, as no replacement bridge is presently proposed for this long crossing of the Goulburn Weir. The Shire of Strathbogie has considered a number of options: closure; building a new concrete bridge; or repairing the existing bridge.  On the figures and options it has been given, Council has presently closed the bridge unless and until a government department provides the majority of $3.5 million to construct a new bridge, or what consultants advise is $1 million every 5 years to keep the existing bridge in repair.  The Shire’s insurers oppose retention of the bridge for pedestrian purposes. 

What needs to be done?

The Trust has been asked to support the locals’ campaign, and the Shire is happy to work with the Trust to see if other options are available.  The Shire has also visited Canberra in the hope of heritage or other funding.  This bridge, distinguished by its length, unique bend and setting, is also one of a group of large redgum bridges over the Goulburn River which are now the only ‘big-river’ timber bridges surviving in Victoria.