THE State Government will partner with the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust and Reflections Holidays to collectively fund $500,000 to undertake detailed design work and obtain planning approvals on a replacement pedestrian bridge at Moonee Beach.
Crown Lands will contribute $350,000, the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust – representing City of Coffs Harbour and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) – will contribute $100,000, and Reflections Holidays will spend $50,000 for Stage 1 of the bridge replacement project.
Work will commence during the 2025/26 financial year to finalise a design for the new bridge and undertake work to secure environmental and planning approvals, with a development application to be lodged with the City of Coffs Harbour.
Stage 2 construction of a replacement bridge will take place in the 2026/27 financial year, subject to funding availability.
The Moonee Beach footbridge provides access over Sugar Mill Creek (a Crown waterway) between Coffs Coast Regional Park (managed by NPWS) and the Green Bluff headland (managed by Reflections Holidays).
The bridge also provides a link in the 60km Solitary Islands coastal walk, which is a major tourist attraction for the Coffs Coast area.
The dilapidated bridge was closed in November 2022 due to public safety concerns after an engineering assessment revealed the wooden piers had eroded and the bridge was unstable, with its condition later worsening following rain and large tides.
The dilapidated bridge was removed in June 2025 following approval of a development application by the City of Coffs Harbour the month prior.
Minister for Lands, Property and Tourism Steve Kamper said, “It’s great to see this cooperative effort by the Minns Labor Government, the City of Coffs Harbour Council and Reflections Holidays to chart a positive way forward for a replacement footbridge at Moonee Beach.
“The finalisation of a preferred bridge design and obtaining of planning approvals will be the vital next steps toward restoring access through this significant area to support local recreation and regional tourism.”
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams thanked Minister Kamper and the Coffs Coast Regional Trust Board for their work towards a solution.
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