Nambucca Valley residents will have access to new, reliable, more resilient, and safer transport connections, with work set to begin on six new concrete bridges, replacing aging and vulnerable timber structures across the shire.
The Albanese and Minns Labor Governments are delivering $9.98 million to Nambucca Valley Council under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) and through the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package (RRTRP).
The six bridges marked for full replacement under the betterment initiative are:
- Way Way Bridge at Way Way
- Roberts Bridge at Upper Taylors Arm
- Sullivans Bridge at Valla
- Little Motleys Bridge at Bowraville
- Cassidys Bridge at Newee Creek
- Browns Crossing Number One at Eungal Creek
Designed to withstand severe weather, each new bridge will feature durable concrete piers, increased deck lengths, higher clearances over waterways, and reconfigured road approaches to significantly lower the risk of future flood inundation.
Beyond securing essential access for local families, school routes, and emergency services during natural disasters, the upgrades offer clear environmental benefits.
The modern designs will prevent debris build-up during peak river flows, significantly reducing bank erosion and protecting local ecosystems across the shire’s river system.
Find more information on the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain:
“The Albanese Government is investing in projects that not only repair damaged infrastructure but make it stronger and more resilient for the future.
“This project is another example of the Albanese and Minns governments working together with local councils to build safer, stronger and more disaster-resilient regional communities.
“The Nambucca Valley knows all too well the impact that flooding can have on local roads and transport links, and these upgrades will help ensure communities remain connected when they need it most.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Regional Roads and Transport Minister Jenny Aitchison:
“I’m so pleased to see the Regional Roads and Transport Recovery Package delivering real benefits on the North Coast.
“This initiative, backed by the Minns Labor Government, is all about enabling councils to build back better so our regions are more resilient and less vulnerable during severe weather events.
“Whether you’re a parent on school drop off, a local accessing essential services or a tourist exploring the region, these new bridges will mean a smoother and safer journey for everyone.”
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin:
“Replacing vulnerable timber structures with modern, high-level concrete bridges gives our regional communities genuine long-term certainty and confidence. Regional councils cannot shoulder massive infrastructure overhauls of this scale on their own, which is why this targeted co-funding is so vital.
“Recovery is about actively building resilience into our everyday lives. By building these six crossings higher and stronger, we are protecting local supply chains, supporting our primary producers, and ensuring local families remain connected to healthcare, schools, and workplaces during severe weather.
“This investment ensures the Nambucca Valley recovers stronger, keeping our regional communities safely connected and moving forward no matter what nature throws at us.”
Quotes attributable to Nambucca Valley Council Acting General Manager David Moloney:
“The Betterment Bridges Program is about building infrastructure that meets the needs of our communities both now and into the future.
“Replacing these ageing timber bridges with stronger, higher and more resilient structures will help restore quicker access during and after severe weather events, while reducing ongoing maintenance demands.
“We look forward to seeing the benefits realised across all six bridge locations.”
