Joint media release with the Hon Janelle Saffin MP
Simes Bridge is now open to the public, delivering a safer and more flood-resilient connection for the Whian Whian community in northern NSW.
The $3.6 million project is jointly funded by the Albanese and Minns Labor Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and delivered as part of Lismore City Council’s Flood Restoration Portfolio.
What originally began as emergency repair works in the aftermath of the 2022 floods has now become a permanent, long-term solution, with the restoration of Simes Bridge on Whian Whian Road officially complete.
Crews undertook extensive reconstruction of the flood-damaged western support structure – installing new concrete foundations, rebuilding the permanent abutment, and enhancing scour protection designed to improve the bridge’s resilience to future flood events.
While the engineering challenge was significant, ensuring the Whian Whian community remained connected throughout construction was equally important.
As the only access to the village, Simes Bridge is a vital link relied upon every day by residents travelling to work, school and appointments, as well as visitors and emergency services.
From the outset, maintaining that connection while construction was underway was a key priority. To achieve this, an innovative staged construction approach was adopted. A temporary bridge structure was installed over the damaged western support, allowing vehicles to continue crossing while complex restoration works were carried out beneath and around the bridge.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain
“The reopening of Simes Bridge is fantastic news for the Whian Whian community and another important milestone in the ongoing recovery from the devastating 2022 floods.
“The Albanese Government is committed to helping communities recover and rebuild stronger after disasters, which is why we are investing in infrastructure that not only restores critical connections but improves resilience for the future.
“Simes Bridge is a vital access route for residents, businesses, visitors and emergency services, and will now help this community stay connected and better withstand future severe weather events.
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin
“When critical infrastructure like Simes Bridge is inaccessible, the impacts are extensive, from isolating communities and disrupting businesses and day to day life, to impacting emergency services and delaying essential travel.
“Projects like this vital upgrade are about more than just rebuilding what was there before, but delivering more resilient infrastructure that keeps people connected when it matters most.
“The completion of Simes Bridge is a significant win for local safety, connection, and the long-term endurance of the Lismore community.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for NSW Jenny McAllister
“I am thrilled to see the Simes Bridge re-open to the public.
“It’s essential for Northern Rivers locals to be able to travel on safe, reliable roads – not only during a flooding emergency – but every day.”
Quotes attributable to Lismore City Council Flood Restoration Portfolio Executive Director Charlotte Foy
“This project shows the inventive approaches we’re using across the Flood Restoration Portfolio to restore critical infrastructure while minimising disruption wherever possible.
“Every site presents its own challenges, and, in this case, it wasn’t just about rebuilding infrastructure – it was about maintaining a vital connection for an entire community while that work took place. We’re proud to hand back a stronger bridge that will serve the community well into the future.”
For more information on Flood Restoration Portfolio projects, visit Lismore Flood Restoration Portfolio.
