Council adds $700,000 to Pollocksford Road Bridge upgrade
At its 28 July meeting Council considered a recommendation to allocate a further $700,000 towards the refurbishment of the Pollocksford Road Bridge at Gnawarre, on top of the $800,000 already in the 2026/27 budget as its 50 per cent share under the municipal boundary agreement with Surf Coast Shire. The agenda said a recent design and construct tender advertised by Surf Coast Shire indicated a total project cost of about $3 million, with the extra funds drawn from carried-forward bridge and local road programs and Roads to Recovery allocations. The Golden Plains Times reported the motion, moved by Cr Des Phelan and seconded by Cr Dom Cook, passed with only Cr Gavin Gamble voting against; Cr Gamble supported the repairs but argued Council should delay and seek state election commitments.
Why it matters: The bridge, on the shire boundary, has been closed for two years and is described by councillors as an important connection route for residents.