Council to Reconsider Cuttagee Bridge Replacement
Bermagui Community Forum has been trying to organise a public meeting, but today received this information:
Council on receipt of the funding deed from NSW State Government for $7.5million for replacement of Cuttagee Bridge with a two lane concrete bridge is now reconsidering whether they will be able to comply with all requirements of the deed within the 2 year delivery timeframe. Total estimated cost is $11.5million. Council is planning to reconsider this issue at their next meeting on Wednesday, 31 March.
There has been overwhelming community opposition to demolition of the Cuttagee Bridge. There are currently over 8,000 signatures on a Change.org petition opposing demolition.
The Bermagui Community Forum had written to Council on Monday, 15 March seeking attendance of senior Council representatives at a proposed community information session on Monday evening, 22 March. Given that Council is now reconsidering this issue, it is not suitable for Council to attend this meeting.
The Forum therefore is postponing its plans for a community meeting on Monday, and will carefully monitor Council recommendations to its meeting on 31 March. The related Council agenda papers for this meeting should be available on Council’s website by Wednesday or Thursday next week.
The Forum will seek a meeting with Council representatives to discuss the lack of consultation and respect shown to the community on this issue.
It has been made clear to the Forum that the community is strongly of the view that in the long term the heritage economic value of these single lane timber bridges between Wallaga Lake and Tathra far outweighs the short term funding grab of $7.5million from NSW State Government. Council should be promoting a tourist heritage trail along the Tathra-Bermagui Road.
The Forum would like to thank all those community members that offered their support and help in our campaign so far to Save Cuttagee Bridge.
Stay posted.....and stay active.
Thank you to everyone for signing this petition. We are sure it has helped sway opinion in this matter. If you wish to continue to receive updates on this and other issues, please supply your email address to bermaguiforum@gmail.com