General News
26 June, 2026
Council cuts ribbon on footbridge
LISMORE residents came out in force to celebrate the reopening of the Lismore Footbridge last Sunday after works were completed.
A special ceremony was held with 30 people in attendance, with everyone taking a walk across the new bridge connecting Browns Waterholes and the Lismore Cemetery.
When the old bridge reached the end of its life, the replacement was designed in consultation with the Lismore Progress Association in late 2023 and built in April and May this year.
Brad Neicho and Liz Rider drove down from Derrinallum to walk their dogs, Max and Elsa.
“When you get out and explore you discover the pretty places and the wildlife,” Liz said.
“We drive to the cemetery and follow the creek down.”
Mr Neicho said with the footbridge now reopened, the couple will be able to follow the creek to the cemetery.
After a welcome to country from proud Wadawurrung woman Kelly Phillips, Lismore Progress Association president Val Lang and Corangamite Shire Council mayor councillor Kate Makin untied the ceremonial ribbon.
Cr Makin said she was thrilled with the community turnout to celebrate the completion of works.
“It’s fantastic to see so many people join together for something that has been so long coming for the Lismore community,” she said.
“We’re celebrating more than just a new bridge – we’re celebrating the return of an important connection for the people of Lismore.
“For more than three years, this link has been missing after the previous footbridge reached its end of life and had to be closed.
“For many people, it was a daily pathway that connected different parts of the town and formed an important section of the Lismore Discovery Trail.
“This new 18-metre bridge restores that connection and provides a safe way for residents and visitors to move beneath the Hamilton Highway and continue enjoying everything this area has to offer.”
The $200,000 project received funding from to council, GPG Berrybank Wind Farm and the state government’s Tiny Towns Fund.
Mt Elephant Ward councillor Nick Cole read a message from GPG representatives who could not attend due to prior commitments.
“On behalf of GPG Berrybank Wind Farms, we’d like to congratulate the shire and the Lismore community on the official opening of the new Lismore footbridge,” the message read.
“At GPG, we are committed to supporting the projects that deliver lasting benefits to the communities in which we operate.
“We understand that strong communities are built through accessible infrastructure, opportunities for recreation and wellbeing.
“The spaces that bring people together.
“The reopening of this footbridge is a wonderful example of what can be achieved, and local government, community and members and funding partners work together with shared goals.”
Member for Western Victoria Gayle Tierney was also unable to attend but sent her congratulations to everyone involved.
In a message, she wished the community a wonderful day as they celebrated the important milestone and said she understood just how much this project means to the people of Lismore.
Cr Makin also thanked Full on Food for catering and the Murnong Indigenous Garden Committee for providing the flagpoles for the event.
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