UP to eleven wooden bridges in the Coffs Coast area will be replaced at a cost of $5.7million over the next 24 months thanks to $4.5M from the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program and another $1.2M from the Coffs Harbour City Council (CHCC).

They are Bobo Bridge, Archers, Hosche, Cassidys, Becketts, Craiges, Mardells, Little Nymboida, Williams, Hallgaths, McClellands.

Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said replacing old timber bridges means improved community connections to schools, towns, and jobs, allowing easier movement of freight and delivering better outcomes for road safety.

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“On top of easing the financial burden on councils, this program will create thousands of local jobs throughout regional communities at a time when they’re needed most,” Mr Singh said.

“I’m glad that in my electorate, we’re going to see new bridges under this new round of funding because I know what a difference they’ll make to entire communities.”

Coffs Harbour Mayor Councillor Denise Knight said, “While many of our older timber bridges are not usually on the busiest local roads, they are very important links for the residents and businesses who use them regularly.

“They will be replaced with concrete and steel bridges that will improve safety and communications for residents and businesses and should last for up to one hundred years.”

CHCC Director of Sustainable Infrastructure Mick Raby told News Of The Area, “We are thrilled that the issue has been recognised and this funding will give us an opportunity to get ahead of the game with upgrading and improving these bridges, and it will have a massive positive impact for local communities.”

With around 52 wooden and hybrid wood and steel bridges in the local government area, it is hoped further support can be obtained from future rounds of the state government program.

By David TUNE