Lismore footbridge officially open
Published on 23 June 2026
About 30 people enjoyed the walk from Browns Waterholes to the Lismore Cemetery when the new footbridge was opened on Sunday.
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.
Lismore resident Anne is a regular user of the trail.
“The walk to Cemetery Road is the most popular part,” she said.
“There is plenty of flora and fauna. If you’re lucky, you’ll see an echidna,” she said.
“Having the bridge back is fantastic because you can walk from town.
“It’s also easier for kids at the pool to get up and back without crossing the highway which is very important.”
Brad and Liz drive 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.”
Brad added: “Now this bridge is available we’ll be able to do it in reverse.”
After a welcome to country from proud Wadawurrung woman Kelly Phillips, Lismore Progress Association President Val Lang and Corangamite Shire Mayor Kate Main Kate Makin untied the ceremonial ribbon.
“It's fantastic to see so many people here today for something that has been so long coming for the Lismore community,” Cr Makin said.
“Today 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 is thanks to Council, GPG Berrybank Wind Farm and the Victorian Government 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,” Cr Cole 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.