Fixing Country Bridges program completed in the Bellingen Shire

BELLINGEN Shire Council has marked the completion of the Fixing Country Bridges Program – one of the largest infrastructure undertakings in the Shire’s history – with the official opening of Hobarts Bridge.

Bellingen Shire Mayor Steve Allan, recently joined Cowper MP Pat Conaghan, Oxley MP Michael Kemp and representatives from the Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO) to cut the ribbon and celebrate this significant achievement.

In total, $34.4 million has been invested to deliver 31 new and upgraded bridges across the Shire, significantly improving safety, connectivity and resilience for residents, businesses and visitors.

Bellingen Shire Council has benefitted from major investment through the Fixing Country Bridges Program, receiving $20.3 million in Round 1 and a further $10.5 million in Round 2.

The NSW Government’s Fixing Country Bridges program is a $500 million investment that supports councils to replace ageing timber bridges and improve safety, connectivity and resilience across regional and rural communities.

This work was further supported by $2.4 million from the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program for the replacement of the Kalang River and Richardson bridges, along with an additional $1.2 million contributed by Council.

NSW Minister for Roads and Minister Regional Transport the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP said the completion of this project is a significant win for the Bellingen Shire community.

“This project is about more than replacing old bridges – it’s about making life easier, safer and more secure for the people who call Bellingen Shire home.

“With the completion of Hobarts Bridge and the wider program of works, local families, businesses and emergency services now have the modern, reliable infrastructure they deserve. I’m incredibly proud of what this partnership has delivered for the community,” she said.

Bellingen Mayor Cr Steve Allan said the completion of the program marks a major step forward in the Shire’s transport and sustainability goals.

“Today marks the completion of one of the biggest capital works programs in our Council’s history,” Cr Allan said.

“Replacing 31 bridges across our Shire has improved safety, resilience, and accessibility for our community delivering infrastructure that supports our goals of being connected, creative, and sustainable.”

The Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO), comprising Bellingen, Kempsey, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils, played a key role in securing this outcome through the Timber Bridge Renewal Prospectus, a joint submission to the NSW Government.

The MNCJO collectively manages 15 percent of the state’s timber bridge network, with 219 timber bridges serving more than 130,000 residents.

Through their collaboration, the group secured funding to replace or upgrade 91 bridges across the three LGAs, with 33 of those in the Bellingen Shire.

Bellingen Shire Council General Manager Mark Griffioen, said the success of the program demonstrates the strength of regional collaboration.

“Working together allows councils to address shared challenges more effectively and advocate with a stronger voice.

“The Fixing Country Bridges program shows what’s possible when regional councils unite to deliver lasting infrastructure improvements for our communities,” he said.

Construction commenced in 2022, with the first round completed in mid-2024 and the second round following soon after.

During the environmental assessment process, Council identified four bridge sites as being in significant habitats for threatened species, including the Southern Myotis microbat, the critically endangered Bellinger River Snapping Turtle, and Giant Barred Frog.

The Council undertook species impact studies, referring the projects to both State and Federal Environment Ministers and inviting community feedback before any works commenced.

To minimise environmental impact, bridge designs were modified to reduce tree removal and soil disturbance.

Longer bridge spans reduced the need for in-stream supports, and a range of protection measures, including microbat management protocols, frog fencing, noise management, and habitat restoration, were implemented.

At Duffys Bridge, Sunny Corner Bridge and Hobarts Bridge, Council worked closely with ecologists to safely relocate Southern Myotis microbats roosting in old timber structures.

Custom habitat boxes were installed in the new concrete bridges, and Council says follow-up monitoring has shown around 70 percent of the original population now roosting in these new habitats – with no harm to any microbats during the process.

At Kalang River Bridge, the Southern Myotis population grew so significantly once the new bridge was constructed, that the existing bridge has been retained to preserve the home for that population.

“Preserving our native species and protecting the health of our river systems has been a priority throughout this program,” Mayor Allan said.

“We’re proud that our new bridges not only connect people but also help preserve local biodiversity.”