The Victorian Government has refused to provide any information about the long-anticipated Yarrawonga–Mulwala Movement and Network Study, almost two months after the study findings were to be released.
The Department of Transport and Planning would not answer questions about the study, designed to outline the impacts and benefits of two bridge alignments between Yarrawonga and Mulwala.
A spokesperson told the Yarrawonga Chronicle they would “continue to work collaboratively with local governments, the NSW government, the community and stakeholders on outcomes for the Yarrawonga-Mulwala bridge”.
When pressed on the issue, the department refused to answer any further questions about why the release of findings has been delayed or when it is expected.
It’s been eight years since Moira Shire held a plebiscite for residents who voted for the Green Route.
Federation and Moira Shire councils, and the NSW Government also identified the Green Route as their preferred option four years ago.
The general managers of both councils say they need a commitment from the government.
Moira Shire Council CEO Matthew Morgan said a completion date for the study had not been provided to the council, but he believed it was being finalised for consideration by the minister.
He said the council was in regular contact with the Department of Transport and Planning and would continue to advocate strongly for the bridge on behalf of the Yarrawonga community.
“At the coming Victorian state election, we will be seeking a commitment from both sides of politics to progress with detailed design work for a new bridge if elected,” Mr Morgan said.
“We know that this will take several years, but we need a commitment that this work will commence and be prioritised.”
In NSW, Federation Council general manager, Adrian Butler said the community was entering another year of uncertainty about the future of the border crossing.
Mr Butler said council staff had participated in study meetings last year, but the only correspondence received from the department was a brief update in late 2025.
“This update, however, was not for public distribution, leaving the broader community in the dark around the results of the project they were undertaking,” he said.
“Communities on both sides of the border are in a holding pattern.
“Federation Council has invested heavily in the foreshore, including our all-abilities playground and walking tracks.
“However, just like our local business owners, it is difficult to plan future improvements with any confidence while the bridge route remains ‘pending’ after all these years.”
Federation Council is calling on the Victorian Government to come forward and support the Green Route to allow the planning to proceed.
The Victorian State Government currently has its preferred alignment as the Grey Route, which is closer to the current bridge, but Mr Butler said the Green Route, closer to weir, had long been the definitive choice for the region.
“In 2019, Federation Council actively canvassed the community, resulting in overwhelming support for this option, a preference shared by Moira Shire residents and the NSW Government,” he said.
While any progression remains stalled, Federation Council maintains that the residents of Yarrawonga and Mulwala deserve transparency and a clear timeline and is urging the Victorian Government to finalise and release the study results so both regions can move forward with clarity.
On August 13 last year, in an email to Minister for Regional Development and Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, Victorian Roads and Road Safety Minister Melissa Horne acknowledged “significant challenges faced by the community due to the current bridge’s limitations and the need for a new crossing”.
“We know that Yarrawonga and Mulwala function as a single community, sharing employment opportunities, services, and recreational facilities and the existing bridge is crucial for this cross-border connection,” Ms Horne wrote.
Ms Symes is the only representative from Northern Victoria in government, but locals say there is no record of her advocating for a new bridge.
Her office has been contacted for comment.
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