KERNOT locals are enraged over delays in funding for the closed Stewart Road bridge after paramedics were delayed by 15 minutes for a life-threatening medical emergency last week and forced to divert around the closed bridge.

Seventy Kernot landholders, residents and farmers were joined by Bass Coast Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead, Cr Jan Thompson and Cr Mat Morgan in a massive rally at the bridge.

“It is frustrating for the local community,” said Mayor Halstead. “It’s a long diversion.”

Mayor Halstead said council had been continuously promised that funding would be approved soon.

“First it was August, then October and now November.”

According to the Mayor, the bridge may not be finished until the end of next year.

“We’re heading into the fire season and fire trucks can’t get across the bridge.

“The longer it takes for funding to be approved, the longer it will stay closed.”

Cautiously warning that Bass Coast Shire Council may be forced to look at other options, Mayor Halstead said if the money came out of council’s budget something else would miss out.

“Where would we take it from?” Mayor Halstead asked.

Rallying at the bridge after the medical emergency, distressed local residents were clearly frustrated and angry.

“We’re just not being heard,” said Rob Parsons.

“We wanted the bridge completed by June or July next year.”

Calling for answers, residents turned out with just 24 hours’ notice to attend the spontaneous bridge protest.

“Fix our bridge,” said Pam Gardiner.

“The closure of the bridge has split the community,” said David Rae.

“Ambulances with lights and sirens can’t get through.”

According to Paul Johnston, it could have been a lot worse.

“A few extra minutes can mean the difference between life and death.

“We’ve had two major fires in the last two years.”

“There’s no sign saying bridge closed on the other side,” complained Samantha Rae.

Residents welcomed the support of Federal Member for Monash Mary Aldred MP.

Following her recent advocacy in relation to the required works at the Stewart Road, Kernot Bridge, Ms Aldred said she had received a response from the Minister for Transport indicating council should hear shortly from the Department about the next steps.

“The Federal Government has been dragging their feet on funding to fix the Kernot bridge, so I wrote to the Federal Government and outlined how urgent it was,” said Ms Aldred.

“The Minister has responded to my representations on behalf of the community to say the Department has finalised its assessment process and will have a recommendation on Bass Coast Shire’s funding application shortly. I will always act immediately to secure urgent outcomes for our community on roads and infrastructure projects like this one that can’t afford to wait,” said Ms Aldred.

Minister King said the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications, Sport and the Arts had finalised the assessment of a tranche of applications under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) to support projects such as the Stewart Road bridge upgrade and was preparing recommendations for her approval.

“The Department will contact Bass Coast Shire Council when my decision is made.”

Residents complained about a lack of communication from Bass Coast Shire Council.

In the latest update on Engage Bass Coast, late last week, council explained that it was continuing to work hard behind the scenes to prepare for the reconstruction of the Stewart Road Bridge, and planning, design and permit work were progressing so the project could move quickly once funding was confirmed.

Council also revealed a targeted survey was underway to protect two nearby colonies of Giant Gippsland Earthworms. Given the project’s current value of around $2.3 million, an open tender process is now required, which could take around 13 weeks once the grant outcome is known. Council is aiming to award the bridge contract in early 2026.

‘We understand how important this bridge is for safety, access and connection.

‘Although the funding process has taken longer than expected, we want to assure you that work and advocacy continues in the background to keep the project moving.’