ACHERON, VIC. — Murrindindi Shire Council is calling for tenders to reinstate Breakaway Bridge at Acheron, restoring access for the community, while continuing to advocate to State and Federal governments for full funding to deliver a safe, functional and future-proofed bridge.
Breakaway Bridge was catastrophically damaged in the October 2022 floods, severing a vital connection for Acheron and the surrounding districts.
Since then, the Murrindindi council has worked with Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV) and other agencies under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to secure a replacement crossing.
Murrindindi Shire recently received an offer from ERV of $5.2 million to cover construction and project costs to date. Independent advice and the council’s own assessments indicate that delivering a resilient bridge to contemporary standards will cost significantly more than this amount.
To preserve the current funding offer and maintain momentum, Murrindindi Shire is calling for tenders this month, seeking two design-and-construct options, with submissions due by the end of October:
Option One – ERV supported: single-lane bridge with traffic lights and battery backup; demolition of the original timber bridge
Option Two – Alternative: dual-lane bridge built to contemporary standards, without reliance on traffic lights; demolition of the original timber bridge
ERV has indicated its funding would support the construction of a 105-metre single lane bridge with traffic signals.
While such a design would technically carry vehicles, Council is concerned this option does not meet contemporary Australian road and bridge design standards.
Reliance on traffic lights introduces risks in a disaster-prone area with frequent power outages, heavy fog and limited emergency access. Independent advice confirms that a dual-lane bridge is the only compliant and resilient solution for this location.
The Acheron community is no stranger to disasters. It has endured the 2009 fires, major floods in 2022 and 2024, and frequent power and communication outages.
These conditions demand resilient infrastructure that ensures safety, emergency access, and reliable connectivity. Transport Accident Commission data confirms this region is already overrepresented in serious road injuries and fatalities.
On October 3, 2025, Murrindindi Council formally wrote to the Hon. Vicki Ward MP (Minister for Emergency Services), the Hon. Jaclyn Symes MP (Minister for Regional Development), and the Hon. Melissa Horne MP (Minister for Roads and Road Safety), calling for urgent support to secure funding for a dual-lane bridge that meets contemporary standards and restores safety and resilience for the Acheron community.
Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said this issue goes beyond replacing a bridge.
“Breakaway Bridge has been missing for three years, physically dividing the Acheron community, adding 17-kilometre detours for families and farmers, delaying emergency response, and increasing burdens on visitors and local businesses,” Cr Gallagher said.
“We cannot afford to build back below standard. A single-lane bridge with traffic lights is a patch solution that leaves our community vulnerable.
“This is not about gold plating – it is about building to today’s standards, as any community has the right to expect. If the bridge is to be rebuilt, a dual-lane bridge is the only credible, safe solution.
“This is why Council continues to call on the State and Federal Governments to meet the funding gap and ensure Acheron is not left with brand-new but substandard infrastructure,” Cr Gallagher said.
Murrindindi Shire councillors will brief residents at a community meeting in mid-November, once tenders have been evaluated and clearer information is available.
Further updates will be shared as the tender process progresses. For more information, visit the Council News page or contact Murrindindi Shire Council on (03) 5772 0333.
