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Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, $1.768M federal funding restores vital community infrastructure

Bass Coast Council’s Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot approved, receiving $1.768 million federal funding, restoring safe access, supporting local residents, industry, emergency services, with tendering expected early 2026.

By news@gippsland - 5th December 2025 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is delighted to announce that the Stewart Road Bridge reconstruction in Kernot will proceed, following the successful approval of Council’s grant application through the Australian government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP).

Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead at the Stewart Road bridge in Kernot after receiving news of our successful grant application of $1.768M to go towards its reconstruction

Funding secures bridge

The Federal Government has committed $1.768 million towards the $2.21 million project, ensuring this vital piece of rural infrastructure can be rebuilt to modern safety standards, and reconnect the Kernot community after a long and challenging period of closure.

Bass Coast Mayor, Cr Rochelle Halstead welcomed the announcement, noting the strong community voice and persistence that helped drive the project forward. "This is a fantastic outcome for Kernot and the broader Bass Coast community. The Stewart Road Bridge is more than a crossing, it is a lifeline for residents, farmers, emergency services and local industry."

"Our community has shown incredible strength, resilience and patience throughout this process, and we are so pleased to now be able to deliver the certainty they deserve. We wholeheartedly thank the Albanese Government for recognising the urgency of this project and investing in this critical piece of rural infrastructure," Cr Halstead said.

Project ready progress

Council has completed extensive preparatory work in the background to ensure the project can progress swiftly once funding was confirmed. This includes detailed designs, environmental assessments, cultural heritage due diligence, vegetation impact assessments, and early procurement planning.

Chief Executive Officer, Greg Box acknowledged the substantial effort across teams to prepare a strong application and keep the project moving while awaiting the funding outcome. "This result reflects exceptional work across multiple Council teams, all of whom contributed to a high quality submission and continued advocacy for this outcome."

"We have deliberately progressed everything we can behind the scenes, so the community doesn’t experience unnecessary delays. The moment we are able to proceed to tender, we will. Today’s announcement gives us the green light to continue that momentum," Mr Box said.

Safer bridge access

The new bridge will replace the former structure which suffered repeated overload impacts and was closed due to safety concerns. The upgrade will restore safe and reliable access for locals and improve response times for the Kernot-Grantville CFA, who had previously faced significant detours during emergencies.

Tender preparation will now progress, with procurement expected to commence early in 2026, subject to final approvals. Council will continue to update the community through its dedicated project page Engage Bass Coast.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Tim Bull urges Labor to halt costly brumby culling in East Gippsland, citing job losses, funding cuts, and greater threats from feral pigs, while advocating for more responsible taxpayer spending.
• Danny O'Brien urges Labor government to fund new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel for community safety
  Danny O'Brien urges the Allan Labor government to urgently fund a new $2 million vessel for Port Welshpool Coastguard, ensuring volunteers can safely cover Corner Inlet, Wilsons Promontory, and protect locals.
• Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
  Bass Coast Shire Council is reviewing the Wonthaggi Structure Plan. Have your say on the town's growth, housing, jobs, heritage, and future opportunities to help shape Wonthaggi as Bass Coast regional hub.
• Baw Baw Shire Council meeting snapshot - Wednesday 27 August 2025
  Baw Baw Shire Council's 27 August meeting covered petitions, Warragul planning permits, Aberfeldy roadworks, draft strategies, community consultation, governance updates, with meetings live-streamed and open for public participation.
• Tim Bull condemns Labor government for rejecting Jack’s Law, delaying vital reforms to prevent knife-related harm
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticises Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, a proven reform to enhance police powers, remove dangerous weapons, and improve community safety against knife-related violence.
• Independent Safety Assessment Contract awarded for Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool, ensuring community safety, and facility compliance
  East Gippsland Council has awarded a contract for an independent Bairnsdale Outdoor Pool safety assessment, reviewing facility condition, risks, compliance, and required upgrades while the pool remains closed.
• Princes Highway $2M upgrade improves safety and access for pedestrians at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna
  Nearly $2 million in joint government funding will upgrade Princes Highway at Lakes Entrance and Kalimna, improving pedestrian safety, access, and traffic flow with new medians, lighting, safety platforms, and path reconstruction.
• Latrobe City events drive tourism, economic growth and community engagement across the region
  Latrobe City hosted major sporting and cultural events in 2024 - 25, attracting over 27,000 attendees and generating $23.5 million in economic impact, reinforcing the region's growing reputation as an events hub.
• South Gippsland immunisation sessions extended with extra times to support community after Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure
  Following Leongatha Healthcare Centre closure, immunisation sessions have been extended, offering full-range vaccines for children, adults, pregnant women, and at-risk groups, with extra times available for community bookings.
• Darren Chester urges sun safety as Australia’s high melanoma rates stress risks, awareness, and early detection
  Federal MP Darren Chester warns Gippslanders of Australia’s high melanoma rates, urging sun protection, early detection, and following the Five Sun Safe Rules as UV levels rise heading into summer.
• Darren Chester and Martin Cameron launch petition urging action on long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass project
  Darren Chester and Martin Cameron have launched a community petition urging state and federal governments to prioritise funding and design work for the long-delayed Traralgon Princes Highway bypass to ease congestion.