The Gisborne Botanic Gardens is feeling complete with a new studier, safer footbridge.
The bridge, which suffered extensive damage in the October 2022 flood event, provided a key pedestrian connection between Dixon Field and the Gisborne Botanic Gardens.
After the floods, the bridge was accessed by Macedon Ranges Shire Council’s insurer as a total loss, due to the separation from its footings.
Council staff then completed all necessary due diligence including working through an extended insurance claim process, finalising designs in consultation with Melbourne Water as the relevant water catchment authority, and tendering out the necessary works.
Works on site commenced in February 2025, and were completed in early May, highlighted by the delivery and crane lift of the new prefabricated bridge.
The new footbridge is made of painted steel and features a slip-resistant surface of fibre-reinforced polymer.
Mayor Dom Bonanno said the new footbridge – which cost $300,000 funded through the insurance claim process – was a significant improvement on the decades-old former bridge.
“Standing on the new footbridge, I couldn’t help but evoke the old saying that ‘you don’t know what you’ve got until it’s gone’ – I’m really pleased that it is open again, and we’re confident it will better stand the test of time and the elements,” he said.
“We know the Gisborne community has desperately missed this simple yet vital connection, and I thank everyone for their patience as we worked through this longer-than-expected insurance project.”
