Council has updated the community on the current status and options for replacing Breakaway Bridge in Acheron, while continuing to advocate for a safe, resilient and financially responsible long-term solution for the Acheron and Alexandra communities.
At a community information session held on 7 May 2026, Council shared project updates, including design options currently being worked through with the State Government and the requirements of the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA). Breakaway Bridge was catastrophically damaged during the October 2022 floods and is classified as an essential asset, making it eligible for joint State and Commonwealth disaster recovery funding.
The current DRFA funding offer would support a single lane bridge approximately 105 metres in length, controlled by traffic signals at each end. While this option would restore vehicle access, it does not include dedicated pedestrian or cycle access and would require Council to fund ongoing traffic signal operation and maintenance, resulting in additional ongoing costs.
Council advised the community that this option does not fully meet its goal for a safer, more resilient and financially sustainable outcome.
Instead, Council is advocating for a two‑lane bridge built to contemporary standards, to improve safety, support emergency access and reduce long‑term maintenance costs. Council officers outlined that ongoing work is focused on aligning project requirements as closely as possible with the available grant guidelines, while continuing negotiations with funding bodies.
Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said Council's position reflects both expert advice and strong community sentiment.
"Our community has been very clear that if Breakaway Bridge is rebuilt, it must be safe, resilient and fit for purpose, not a short‑term fix," Cr Gallagher said.
"While an offer has been received, Council will continue to advocate to State and Commonwealth governments for a two‑lane bridge that meets modern standards and serves the Acheron community now and into the future."
Alongside its advocacy work, Council reaffirmed its commitment to ongoing community engagement throughout the project. While the overall bridge form and funding envelope are governed by the DRFA program, Council is seeking community input on project elements that can be influenced locally.
These include landscaping and revegetation, river access, parking arrangements, signage, and opportunities to reuse timber from the original bridge where feasible. Council clarified that a proposed dedicated pedestrian walkway, while desirable, is not included within current funding limits. Similarly, some suggestions raised by the community and any additional features that increase project cost would be subject to securing further grant funding.
Council's goal is to deliver a safe and durable bridge without passing additional costs on to ratepayers. Feedback received will help inform detailed design and delivery decisions within the funding constraints.
Cr Gallagher said community involvement remains a key part of the process.
"While the bridge design is constrained by funding guidelines, there are important aspects of this project where local knowledge and ideas really matter," he said.
"We want to work with the community to shape the elements that sit around the bridge, so the final outcome reflects local values as well as technical and safety requirements, within the funding available."
Council confirmed it has appointed experienced contractor NELMAC, based in Yackandandah, following a competitive tender process. Construction will use methods designed to minimise impacts on the river environment and protect fish and aquatic habitat during works.
Survey works are complete and construction equipment is ready to mobilise once river levels allow. Subject to final funding confirmation, regulatory approvals and site conditions, works are expected to begin this winter, with most construction planned during lower river levels.
Council encourages the community to stay engaged as the project progresses.
