THERE is unease from the Seymour and District Historical Society towards the Mitchell Shire Council (MSC) as the fallout from the cancellation of funding to fix and restore the Old Goulburn River Bridge continues.
John Jennings OAM, former chairman of the Friends of the Bridge group, said he was ‘stunned’ in an email sent to the North Central Review last Tuesday.
“As Chairman of this body for many years, I was stunned when I heard the news,” he said.
President of the Seymour and District Historical Society, Geoff Halpin, echoed those comments.
“We’re disappointed in the new councillors, but also the others that are on there, as it was passed through the council late last year that it was to go ahead, but now there’s been a big turnaround with the new council,” he said.
“The fact they did it underhanded by having a closed meeting, when they had it last time, we had our say and I thought it was good the way they did it.
“How can you have something that is in the budget and is passed all the way through, and then all of a sudden, there’s new councillors and it’s thrown out? To me, it’s not democratic at all.”
The response came following the February 17 meeting where MSC settled for a sum of $858,484.97, saying that the $5.4 million project was unfeasible, following months of divided discussion throughout 2024.
In response, MSC Mayor Councillor John Dougall said that he acknowledged the concerns of the Seymour and District Historical Society.
“Council recognises the historical significance of the Old Goulburn River Bridge and acknowledges the concerns raised by the Seymour Historical Society,” he said.
“While there was no formal consultation with the Seymour Historical Society prior to this decision, Council considered previous feedback provided.
“The decision to cancel the restoration project was made following a thorough review of multiple options, with Councillors determining that the significant financial investment required could not be justified in the best interests of the broader community.”
Cr Dougall confirmed that there were plans for MSC to meet with Heritage Victoria.
“Council is planning to meet with Heritage Victoria regarding the next steps for the bridge. While the specific date for a meeting has not yet been confirmed, we anticipate that it will take place in the coming weeks,” he said.
Heritage Victoria confirmed that plans were underway to launch discussions with MSC.
“Mitchell Shire Council has recently advised Heritage Victoria that the contract for conservation works to the Old Goulburn River Bridge has been cancelled,” Department of Transport and Planning Media Lead Louis Gillett confirmed.
“The permit remains live, and Heritage Victoria will meet with Mitchell Shire Council in the coming weeks.”
Mr Halpin confirmed he hasn’t been in touch with Heritage Victoria personally.
“I haven’t been in touch with Heritage Victoria. Some of the other members may have been in touch with them, but I haven’t,” he said.
