bridge future history

Alex de Vos
State Government’s decision to retain the Barwon Heads Bridge is all about the past, not the future, according to Member for Bellarine Lisa Neville.
A resident at a public meeting at Ocean Grove on Wednesday asked Ms Neville whether a new bridge would handle predicted traffic growth.
Ms Neville told the resident that the Government’s decision to retain the bridge was based on its historic value.
“It was never about solving traffic issues,” she told the meeting.
“The decision was about retaining the historic connection between the two towns (Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads).”
State Government ruled out removal of the bridge after failing to obtain a demolition permit from Heritage Victoria in July.
Member for South Barwon Michael Crutchfield attributed the decision to “good old fashioned community spirit” after hundreds of submissions opposed the bid for a demolition permit.
An advisory committee to Planning Minister Rob Hulls will consider two options: retain and upgrade the bridge or build a new river crossing alongside.