ENDORSEMENT from the Nagambie community will see Strathbogie Shire Council take steps with Heritage Victoria to demolish Chinamans Bridge ‘without delay’.

Formal advice was given to council from Heritage Victoria that 32 submissions were received during the public notice period for the application to dismantle the heritage-listed bridge that spans the Goulburn River about a kilometre outside Nagambie.

The public notice period closed on Tuesday, 28 January 2025.

All 32 submissions supported council’s permit but sought preservation of the land-based abutments.

No formal response is required to the submissions, and there is no additional request for information at this stage, allowing for the demolition to go ahead.

Chinamans Bridge is a heritage-listed timber bridge that sustained extensive damage during the October 2022 floods.

An engineering assessment in January 2023 determined that severe structural damage presented a significant safety risk to the community, contractors working in the area, and waterway users.

Strathbogie Shire mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the outcome showed strong support for council’s decision and that both state and federal governments would be lobbied for additional funding for the project.

“We are committed to ensuring that this process moves forward efficiently while addressing community safety and heritage considerations,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.

“We want to reinforce the importance of meeting the funding deadline and the necessity of moving forward with this project as soon as possible.”

The demolition is tied to funding that must be expended by 30 June 2025.

Council is now seeking a meeting with Heritage Victoria to fast-track the permit approval.