After identifying a financial shortfall in the funding required to maintain Victoria’s second oldest timber truss bridge, East Gippsland Shire Council is working with Heritage Victoria on a solution.

Parts of the heritage listed Hinnomunjie Bridge in the Omeo Valley need large scale repair or replacement to ensure the bridge’s historical values are maintained and retained.

Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said Council will need financial support to repair the bridge, which is closed to vehicles but open to pedestrians.

“Under the Heritage Act 2017, we have a statutory responsibility to maintain heritage listed assets. We received a $200,000 contribution from Living Victoria; however the scope of works needed to ensure the bridge remains intact would cost Council at least $1.7 million more than that,” Cr Reeves said.

“With a small ratepayer base it would be difficult for Council to fund these works. We are pleased Heritage Victoria has listened to our concerns and we look forward to working with them to develop a plan that addresses the bridge’s maintenance needs without an undue burden on ratepayers.

“The bridge is a heritage asset of state significance, so we are asking for the state to contribute significantly to restoring it for future generations,” Cr Reeves said.

At its February 28 Council meeting, Council deferred a decision on awarding a contract to undertake the restoration works to allow Council to have further conversations with Heritage Victoria on the scope of works and funding needs.