New Porepunkah lighting project set to create an after-dark drawcard

Porepunkah is set to shine in a whole new way, with a permanent lighting installation planned for the town’s historic bridge designed to create a new visitor attraction and showcase Porepunkah after dark. Bright and District Chamber of Commerce is progressing plans for subtle feature lighting on the historic Porepunkah Bridge, including illumination of the Porepunkah sign on the Great Alpine Road side of the bridge and the conifers at the Nicholson Street end. The project forms part of the chamber’s work to encourage visitation during winter and the traditionally quieter shoulder seasons, while creating permanent infrastructure that supports local businesses, tourism and community pride. Chamber project manager Amanda Hore said the lighting had the potential to become a distinctive attraction in its own right. “We want to create another reason for people to stop, explore and spend time in Porepunkah – not simply drive through on their way to somewhere else," she said. "A lot of investment has happened in Porepunkah with the river precinct redevelopment, the facilities here are excellent. “The historic bridge is already a beautiful and recognisable part of Porepunkah. "With carefully designed lighting, we have an opportunity to transform it after dark and create something that locals can be proud of, and visitors will want to seek out, experience and photograph.” Ms Hore said the project also creates an opportunity to promote a ‘bridge-to-bridge’ experience, connecting the illuminated historic bridge with Porepunkah’s popular flower-covered rail trail. “There is a lovely opportunity to build a Porepunkah bridge-to-bridge experience – encouraging people to walk or ride between the flower bridge and the illuminated historic bridge,” she said. “The flower bridge has already become a wonderful attraction during the warmer months. "We see the lighting project as something that can complement that experience and give people another reason to explore Porepunkah, particularly during winter and into the evening.” The project follows the 2025 Porepunkah Emergency, with the chamber receiving funding from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions to support affected businesses and the community. A portion of that funding was allocated towards permanent winter lighting infrastructure. Ms Hore said the project was about creating a lasting legacy from the recovery funding. “Rather than a one-off activity, we wanted to invest in something permanent that can continue attracting people, supporting businesses and building Porepunkah’s sense of place for years to come,” she said. The final design will recognise the historical significance of the bridge, with lighting intended to be subtle and respectful. The chamber said it is also working to minimise impacts on wildlife, including Bogong Moths, with the design to consider light intensity, colour, shielding and operating times in accordance with national light pollution guidelines and advice received from Zoos Victoria’s Project Moth. Ms Hore said the chamber will be exploring other funding opportunities to extend the lighting concept to other townships as well.

New Porepunkah lighting project set to create an after-dark drawcard

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