The last remaining timber bridge in the Gwydir Shire – the Gulf Creek Road Bridge – will soon be no more, thanks to a grant of $252,500 from the NSW Nationals in the state government.
Nationals Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall said the funding, provided to council under round two of the government’s Fixing Country Bridges program, will enable the full removal and replacement of the ageing dual-lane timber structure with a new and modern concrete equivalent.
“Gulf Creek Road may not be one of the busiest in the region, but the local residents and farmers are entitled to good quality roads and bridges and the assurance that they can continue to safely move freight in and out of the district,” Mr Marshall said.
“This funding will not only see the dilapidated timber structure replaced with a modern concrete version, but the approaches to the bridge will also be bitumen sealed, making the section of gravel road even more safe and reduce long-term maintenance costs for ratepayers.
“With the completion of this project, Gwydir Shire Council will be joining its neighbours Inverell Shire in replacing all of its timber bridges.”
Mr Marshall said this would be a tremendous achievement for any council, but for one of the smallest councils in the region, it’s an outstanding milestone.
“I’m so proud this funding has allowed the council to bring forward this project many years, also bringing forward the benefits to the local residents,” Mr Marshall said.
