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● Old Goulburn River Bridge, Seymour. Photo: Google Maps. ■ Mitchell Shire Councillors have voted to every decision we make aligns with the longcancel the contract for restoration of Seymour’s term well-being and sustainability of our community.” Old Goulburn River Bridge. Mitchell Council will now evaluate the next In a confidential meeting of Council on Monday, February 17, Councillors considered mul- steps for managing the bridge, including future tiple options and determined the project was not options and requirements under the Heritage Act in the best interests of the community, the sig- 2017. “The community will be kept informed as nificant cost of the project could not be justified and would not support the long-term financial further decisions are made.,” a Council representative said. sustainability of the Council. As part of the 2024-25 Capital Works Program, Council allocated $5.4 million over two years towards the restoration project. In September 2024, Council awarded a contract for $4.5 million for these restoration works. “Including the cost of works completed to date, the settlement of the contract reached today will cost $858,484.97. Council believes this cost provides a better outcome for the commu■ Strathbogie Shire Council is updating the nity compared to proceeding with full restoracommunity on the tree removal works curtion.,” said a Council representative. rently underway in Euroa as part of essential Mitchell Shire Mayor, Cr John Dougall, said preparations for upcoming infrastructure upit was difficult to justify a significant borrowing grades as part of Inland Rail. for this project. “Over the coming week, 11 trees along “This decision represents Council’s intent Birkett and Brock Streets will be removed to to best align our investments, especially those facilitate the detour route ahead of the Anderfor which we borrow, to areas of highest comson Street bridge closure later this year. munity need,” he said. “Eleven trees requiring removal, other “Addressing concerns raised by residents and trees will be subject to further arborist asthe community is a crucial aspect of Local sessments and supervision during construcGovernment’s role. We understand that this detion. cision may be disappointing to some, but after “Council acknowledges the value of all careful consideration, Council believes it is the trees and is working closely with arborists to right step to ensure the responsible management minimise impacts. of our resources. “Tree removal is only occurring where “Councillors could not confidently see how necessary to allow for road widening, drainthis investment would contribute to broader tourage improvements, service relocations, and ism outcomes that benefit the community, and new street lighting—ensuring the detour despite advocacy efforts across all levels of govmeets safety and traffic requirements. ernment, Council would have needed to fund “We understand that tree removal may be the project independently. a concern for residents, and we appreciate “Our goal remains to deliver projects that the community’s patience as we work alongcreate the greatest positive impact for our comside Inland Rail to minimise disruptions. munity, and we are committed to investing in “Traffic management will be in place, infrastructure and services that improve the lives and affected residents have been directly of our residents. notified,” the Strathbogie Council represen“At the same time, we are dedicated to entative said. suring fiscal responsibility, making sure that
ESSENTIAL TREE REMOVAL WORKS