Timber bridges in the shire and beyond will soon receive a much-needed upgrade thanks to a $500 million commitment by the Government to fix and repair broken timber bridges in regional and rural areas.
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The Member for Oxley, Melinda Pavey, said local councils would be asked to nominate bridges to be included in the fund.
“In the entire mid north coast region*, there are some 575 bridges and it has been estimated 131 of these are in poor condition," Mrs Pavey said.
"Our commitment will help ensure the mid north coast community maintains its critical linkages to work, services and schools."
Nambucca Shire General Manager, Michael Coulter, said any additional funding for bridge replacement would be welcomed, particularly by North Coast Councils, who have a disproportionate share of the State’s bridges on local roads.
"Nambucca Shire Council alone is responsible for 171 bridges on local roads and whilst we have got through the bulk of our needed bridge replacements there are quite a few remaining to be done," Mr Coulter said.
"Our Asset Management Plan for bridges requires the Council to continue to spend between $500,000 and $800,000 per year for the next four years on capital upgrades of bridges or bridge replacements.
"The single most expensive bridge requiring replacement is Fischers Bridge at Tamban with an estimated replacement cost of $800,000.
"And overall we have identified 37 which will require work over the ensuing 10 years."
He said that means there are plenty to direct funding to.
Mayor Rhonda Hoban said she was pleased to see the Government recognise the difficulty councils have in funding and maintaining such an expensive timber bridge network.
"Nambucca Shire Council has gone one step further and we are now replacing timber bridges in concrete, including the piers. This will reduce the ongoing maintenance costs and extend the life of the bridges," she said.