BUREAUCRATIC requirements around the use of Federal grant funds has resulted in the City of Coffs Harbour revising some infrastructure priorities.

The City was successful in its bid to Phase 3 of the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and secured funds to the value of $2,764,192.

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Two of the five nominated projects, local road repairs and works at Clive Joass Sports Park, have been completed.

However, a subsequent review of the City’s capital expenditure program for the current financial year sought to move three of the grant-funded projects (Boambee Creek footbridge refurbishment, West Coffs Cycleway and Dalgety Street foot/cycle bridge) to a future program.

Because the deadline could not be met for these projects, the City has identified four further local road projects, worth $960,000, that can be completed by the 30 June 2023 funding deadline.

These are Reid Drive, Frances Street and Riding Lane in Coffs Harbour, and Lyons Road in Bonville.

Following Council’s approval of this amendment, a request will be forwarded for confirmation to the Australian Government.

City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Paul Amos said, “It is unfortunate that the deadline couldn’t be moved as the Boambee Creek footbridge is currently at the end of its life and will need to be closed due to public safety concerns if the works are not completed in the near future.

“It is currently costing at least $1,000 a month in ongoing maintenance costs just to keep it open.”

The footbridge is attached to the railway bridge over the Boambee Creek which is owned by the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC).

During the preliminary planning stage for the bridge works, the City contacted ARTC to gain approval for the maintenance works.

The City was astounded when ARTC then forwarded a licence agreement to the City, requesting a fee of $25,000 for five years with an annual increase of three percent.

“This was surprising because, since its construction, the City has borne the costs of maintenance of the footbridge and this is the first time we’ve ever been asked for a licensing fee,” Cr Amos said.

“On that basis, we don’t propose to pay.”

Because the local State Member has previously expressed his support for the refurbishment of the bridge, Council resolved to ask for his assistance in requesting a formal waiver of the licensing fee from ARTC.

The City plans to refurbish the bridge once the grant allocation/extension is approved by the Federal Government, which it anticipates, and that the ARTC licensing fee matter can be resolved.

The planned upgrade would extend the life of the bridge by ten to fifteen years while the City investigates future options.

By Andrew VIVIAN