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A great day for Genoa as new bridge construction starts
Date of Issue: 
March 1, 2021

The Genoa community marked a significant day in its history last Friday, February 26, with work starting on a new pedestrian bridge across the Genoa River.

The significance of a pedestrian bridge to the community has not been lost on East Gippsland Shire Council, and after the iconic timber truss bridge was destroyed by the 2019-20 bushfires re-establishing the pedestrian link from the Genoa Wayside Stop into the township was made a priority.

Funded by Council, the new $1.5 million bridge will be 111 metres long, made from steel reinforced concrete, and will be completed prior to Christmas this year. Council and community members have worked together to ensure a design that is appropriate for the location, including an overhead steel truss structure that will be painted white to mimic the former heritage bridge.

Onsite to mark the start of work on the new bridge, Deputy Mayor Cr Mark Reeves said reinstating the pedestrian link from the Genoa Wayside Stop across the Genoa River to the township is vital for the community and visitors alike.

“We know the burning of the historic bridge was an absolute tragedy for the community. We were all devastated when we saw that the bridge had burned in the2019-20 fires. It’s historical and architectural value to Victoria was significant as it was one of only five timber truss bridges recognised on the heritage register. The bridge also played an important role in safely connecting the township to the popular wayside stop,” Cr Reeves said.

“Only a year on from the fires, we are rebuilding. It’s such a strong symbol of reconnecting and re-joining this community and I’m so proud of the Genoa community, our contractors and everybody who has been involved. This project will join the community together and we’ll have the new pedestrian bridge looking as authentic as the original soon.”

Annette Peisley, of the Genoa Town Committee, said the burning down of the bridge was a significant loss for township and larger Genoa district.

“The bridge tied us all together,” Ms Peisley said.

Ms Peisley said work starting on the new bridge was a “wonderful celebration of everyone pulling together and helping us recover from the bushfires”.

“We are very appreciative of the Council. We just can’t wait for it to be finished. We’re going to watch it grow … it’s just fantastic.”

Swan Reach company Jarvis Norwood Constructions won the tender to construct the new steel and concrete structure across the Genoa River.

“This is a great project to be involved in and will be an asset to the community. Council has been extremely proactive in getting this one rolling and one year on from the fires we’re rebuilding,” Ross Jarvis said.

Mr Jarvis said construction will also provide a boost to the local economy, with his team staying in the Mallacoota district during construction.

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