City of Coffs Harbour will formally call on the NSW Government to replace the State-owned footbridge at Moonee Beach, noting the current situation is hurting the community on multiple fronts.
It’s understood the dilapidated timber bridge was found to be unstable and a public safety risk, and it was closed to the public in November 2022.
Mayor Paul Amos wants the Government to demolish the old bridge, quickly start the development application process for a new structure, and to fund a new replacement bridge.
City of Coffs Harbour voted on 9 May to back that Mayoral Minute, which will see Council write to NSW Property Minister Steve Kamper pressing for action.
Council will also support the Coffs Coast Regional Park in its efforts to lobby the State for a new Moonee Beach footbridge.
“This situation has been dragging on for far too long leading to increasing frustration for residents and visitors,” Cr Amos said.
“Even if the State acts now it’s going to be quite some time before a new bridge can be in place. So we’re writing to Minister Kamper in the hope he can get things moving to fix this situation.”
The old bridge crosses Sugar Mill Creek between Crown Land managed by Reflections Holiday Parks and the Coffs Coast Regional Park. The footbridge itself is owned and controlled by Crown Lands.
Crown Lands is said to be pursuing demolition of the old bridge, but there is no clear pathway or financial commitment to provide a new footbridge to restore access.
Cr Amos said the bridge’s closure is damaging the community, denying residents access to recreation areas.
It’s also preventing the local Landcare group from reaching the headland for environmental work and jeopardising the protection of sensitive Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Crucially, the off-limits footbridge has created a ‘missing link’ in the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk tourist attraction for the community and visitors.
“City of Coffs Harbour wants to see the urgent lodgement of a development application for the demolition and replacement of the bridge – with the funding in place to restore this asset for the community,” Cr Amos said.
Photo: The dilapidated off-limits Moonee Beach footbridge.
