Things are moving ahead with the $15 million in state funding promised to renew Cuttagee Bridge near Bermagui on the South Coast.
Bega Valley Mayor, Russell Fitzpatrick, and CEO, Anthony McMahon, met with representatives from Transport for NSW, Member for Bega, Dr Michael Holland, and the Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison late last week.
After council initially voted (5v3) in favour of moving forward with a two-lane concrete bridge with pathway in late January, something many locals were unhappy with, an agreement has now been reached whereby council will consult with the community on three new design choices for the bridge.
The three options include a two-lane concrete structure, a two-lane concrete and timber hybrid option and a single-lane hybrid design.
More than 14,000 South Coast locals signed a petition to repair the bridge but to keep it in its current a single-lane wooden design to retain its heritage value.
“Being able to slow down, wind down the window in the car, listen to the ocean and smell the salt air is part of our wonderful coastal road,” one Bermagui told one of the earliest forum’s held in June 2021 to save the bridge.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads, Jenny Aitchison, told East Coast Radio, that was something the NSW Government wants to retain as much as possible.
“Everyone wants to see resilience, safety and heritage all factored into any decision-making around the bridge,” Minister Aitchison said.
“That is something that we’re all committed to and there’s a unity ticket on that, it’s good to see we’ve got to that position,” she said.
“The conversation for me with council is – lets have more of those talks rather than resolutions on the floor of council.”
Many locals including those from the ‘Save Cuttagee Bridge Group’ are happy with the most recent announcement.
Save Cuttagee Bridge group member, Ken Robinson, said the group welcomed the change of heart.
“This is much better,” Rbinson said.
“We are quite positive about the timber options, and we hope council will investigate the role of timber,” he said.
“It’s important to us to have involvement in the process and we’re positive about the possibility of community feedback.”
Minister Aitchison said the NSW Government just want to see a solution.
“We will work with council to get a solution for the community in consultation with the public,” Minister Aitchison said.
“It sounds simple but hasn’t happened under the former government, we’re here, we’re 10 months in and we’re having really good conversations and I think it’s already a win for the community in that regard.”
Mayor Russell Fitzpatrick said no matter what, he wants to see a safe bridge along the Tathra-Bermagui Road.
“The condition of the current bridge means there isn’t a feasible way to safely restore it without demolition and a full rebuild, so thoughtful planning for a 100-year lifespan with potentially greater traffic loads and usage into the future is essential,” Cr Fitzpatrick said.
“Safety is a key concern for council and ensuring school bus and emergency service access as well as freight movements.”
The next step is to refine designs of all three options and consult with the community on the options.
Council will communicate when public consultation begins and offer everyone a chance to have their say.
Bega Valley Shire Council’s CEO, Anthony McMahon said it was great to negotiate a way forward for renewing the ageing Cuttagee bridge.
“Given the time constraints of a generous $15 million grant from the NSW Government, Councillors recently delegated the responsibility of negotiating final funding deed details to me following the most recent Council meeting,” Mr McMahon said.
“Following the consultation period, the options will be further assessed incorporating community feedback and the final design solution to be progressed will be determined by Councillors at a later date.
“It’s important to note that while generous, $15 million is not enough to build a new bridge. However, with a way forward approved, we can use the funding to leverage further grants to ease any burden on ratepayers.”
Images: James Fennessy – East Coast Radio, Jenny Aitchison MP
