Green light for Gipps Street bridge replacement

Published on 08 August 2025

Moyne Shire Council has been successful in its application to the Federal Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Fund. $5 Million has been secured towards building a replacement for the Gipps Street bridge over the Moyne River in Port Fairy.

The funding announcement was made this afternoon by Federal Senator Raff Ciccone in Port Fairy.

Mayor, Cr Karen Foster said the funding was wonderful news not just for Port Fairy, but for all Moyne Shire ratepayers.

“This is a great outcome that saves Council from having to borrow $5 million for its most pressing infrastructure priority,” said Cr Foster.

“The bridge is a critical connection for the Port Fairy community to its sports grounds, caravan park, surf club and East Beach, and for visitors entering the town,” she said.

“We are extremely grateful to the Federal Government for this vital funding, and to all those who have supported our advocacy efforts.”

“We’d also like to acknowledge our community, who have been putting up with frequent patching and maintenance works on the existing bridge. We will continue to keep a close eye on the condition of the bridge to ensure it’s safe for all to use in the meantime.”

“Our Project Management Office (PMO) will oversee this major project, one of the biggest the shire has ever undertaken. Preparatory works have been underway for some time already in relocating utilities from the existing bridge, and now we can proceed preparing documentation for the tender process.”

Final costings cannot yet be determined, however Council will fund the balance of the estimated $7.75 million project.