There’s hope for Wheelers Bridge, at great cost to local budget

It appears there are some things you can’t build a bridge and simply get over. 

What Happened: Wheelers Bridge is a 125-year-old piece of regional history, located on Creswick-Lawrence Road. In the last 10 years, it has fallen into disrepair and was abruptly closed in December of last year due to safety concerns. 

The history in question: Wheelers Bridge was one of the first bridges built in Victoria utilising a system of reinforced concrete pioneered by French gardener Joseph Monier. 

🌉 The bridge was designed and built partially by engineer Joshua Anderson and General Sir John Monash (yes, the university namesake). It’s a scenic slice of tradition, with country views and dramatic archways beneath it. 

The modern dilemma: With time, the nineteenth-century infrastructure has deteriorated. 

• Its load-bearing capabilities were brought into question often. In 2013, a 15-tonne load limit was introduced and the road was reduced to a single lane

• Between 2015 and 2024, remediation works were planned, prepared, and quoted. 

• Despite agreement from the Federal Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program for assistance based on an initial estimate, costs began to spiral. 

• An initial costing of $4 million in 2021 soon reached $9 - 10 million by 2024 

• By the end of 2025, the bridge was closed to the public due to safety concerns and a stagnation on works commencing 

• Approximately 77 vehicles previously used the bridge on a daily basis

📇 History wins: Despite the mounting financial burden of repairs, six Hepburn Shire councillors voted against permanent closure of the bridge during last month’s council meeting. Instead, they opted instead to vote in favour of saving the landmark.

The budget dent: One councillor voted differently. Councillor Brian Hood remained against saving the bridge, but not for a lack of historical love. 

🗣️: “In an ideal world, it would be nice to restore an old historic asset such as Wheelers Bridge. I have no problem with that at all - it’s great to restore old assets. But we don’t live in that world.” Councillor Hood told the Brolga. 

In simple terms, Hood said the council just doesn’t have the money. 

• “The harsh reality is the cost of restoring the bridge is way beyond the shire’s means. If you weigh up the available and viable detours and the traffic volume, it does not justify the $10 million price tag.”

• “Hepburn Shire financials are well and truly on the public record as shot to pieces. As councillors we have to be realistic and pragmatic and weigh up priorities.”

⏱️ What next: The next step is seeking Federal assistance with making this restoration a reality. Councillor Hood is doubtful this is enough. 

• “It’s very rare you ever get full funding through a grant, and in the event we do it would be only 80 - 90 percent we still have to find that additional 10 percent. Council does not have that money.”