Disappointment at historic Bunjil Creek bridge removal

Published on 15 March 2022

Macedon Ranges Shire Council is very disappointed to learn that, as part of the Melbourne Road and Kilmore Road intersection upgrade in Gisborne, Regional Roads Victoria has commenced dismantling the 148 year old Bunjil Creek bluestone bridge.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson said Council and community efforts to save the bridge, built in 1874, have been refused, to make way for the Victorian Government’s new intersection and bridge over Bunjil Creek.

“Despite efforts to protect the historic bridge and a number of trees through expert heritage advice and strong local community backing, the Minister for Planning has not supported Council’s request for interim heritage protection based on the heritage values of the bluestone bridge.”

“Whilst Council understands the importance of improving our Shire’s key intersections and bridges, and investments by the Victorian Government to support this, we strongly felt this did not need to come at the expense of protecting a significant heritage structure.”

“Once our heritage assets are removed, no plaque can adequately demonstrate their historical relevance, heritage importance, nor the artisanship to build these reminders of our past. Once they’re gone, they’re gone forever,” she said.

An Independent Planning Panel was scheduled for March to look at a proposed permanent heritage protection of the Bunjil Creek Bridge and trees pursued as part of Amendment C143macr.

It is understood that Regional Roads Victoria has employed a qualified stonemason to carefully dismantle the bridge, which will enable undamaged blue stones to be repurposed on the site.