The Old Scamander Bridge will soon be a thing of the past after the community heard the reasons behind the planned demolition.
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About 50 people attended a forum to discuss the bridge’s future on Tuesday, June 27.
State Growth general manager Shane Gregory explained the current state of the bridge, the work required to maintain the bridge and its cost.
“Once the condition of the bridge and the costs were understood an overwhelming majority of attendees voted to demolish the bridge,” Break O’Day mayor Mick Tucker said.
The bridge requires a minimum of $2 million worth of work to keep it, Cr Tucker said.
The high cost and the lead-based paint are just two issues, sections of the bridge are rusted through and would also need integrity works.
State Growth is willing to contribute $1 million to demolish the bridge because it is no longer considered a part of the transport system.
A steering group was nominated at the meeting and will now lobby the state government to undertake works on the Scamander River foreshore instead.
A suggestion was put forward to look at the cost of preserving a part of the bridge and using it as a interpretation on the foreshore. The committee will look at whether the cost for that is feasible.
Cr Tucker said he was happy with the turn out of residents and the discussions that took place.
“We could see that there was a need for the community to understand what it would mean and cost to keep the bridge and we thank those that took the time to come and listen and get all the facts so they could make an informed decision,” he said.
“It was also great to see the community unite around the idea of a revitalised foreshore and we, (Council) will continue to work with the community around this project and work hard to see it funded.”
Mr Gregory also advised that works would be undertaken to improve pedestrian safety on the current bridge, regardless of the community’s preferred option for the old bridge.
The bridge has been closed to vehicles since 1988, but remained open for pedestrians, cyclists and fishers.
- The poll attached to the story is to gauge community reaction.