Mitchell Shire Council will soon begin waterproofing works on Seymour's Old Goulburn River Bridge, in line with Heritage Act requirements and obligations, to help slow deterioration and protect the structure from further weather damage.
The works come after Council made the decision to cancel the full restoration project for the bridge in March 2025. This was due to the significant cost and borrowing required and the lack of external funding.
In July 2025, Councillors voted to maintain the structure in its current condition, meet conservation requirements and Heritage Act obligations, with no further restoration works planned.
To support this approach, Council allocated $150,000 for waterproofing and committed to an ongoing program of surveillance and maintenance to ensure the structure does not deteriorate further.
Works are expected to begin Monday 13 April and are expected to be completed by Monday 4 May, weather permitting.
During the works, residents can expect to see contractors, work vehicles, cranes, machinery and temporary work zones on site.
Exclusion zones will be in place at each riverbank, surrounding the bridges 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.
Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said Council's focus was on protecting the bridge while taking a financially responsible approach.
"These works are about caring for an important local structure and making sure it doesn't deteriorate further," Cr 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.
"We know there are strong and differing views in the community about the future of the bridge, and we respect that.
"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."
