Devastating news

Hello Supporters of Cuttagee Bridge,

After yesterday's meeting, I was too devastated and angry to give an update, sorry. There is coverage in the media by About Regional, ABC South East and Bega District News. Here is Bermagui Community Forum's update:

Sad Day for Bermagui and Cuttagee Bridge

After more than four years of community campaigning to save the heritage values of Cuttagee Bridge, the Bega Valley Shire Council yesterday decided to demolish Cuttagee Bridge and construct the Option 3 design, a two lane 12.2 metres wide concrete and steel bridge, with shared pathway. (The current bridge is only 5 metres wide).

This Option 3 100% concrete and steel bridge will be just like most other two lane bridges. The construction cost estimate is $29.1m.

This is a sad day for those in Bermagui and Barragga Bay that have a deep feeling for the heritage values of Cuttagee Bridge, as seen by the continuing support in the Council surveys for a single lane bridge with some acknowledgement of its heritage values. The charm and serenity of the Cuttagee Bridge and surrounding estuary area will be diminished forever.

Council Ignores Community Views

It is very disappointing that Councillors are willing to just ignore the majority of community views on this issue. They are just not listening to the community. In the latest Council survey only 28% supported Option 3 - 52% supported Option 1.

There is little common sense in Council’s decision. The Option 1 single lane bridge was better from a tourism, heritage, cost, pedestrian safety and environmental perspective. We thank the Save the Cuttagee Bridge Group and Councillor Helen O’Neil for their efforts to date.

It was a 5 to 4 vote in support of Option 3 on a motion put by Councillor Allen. Other councillors to vote in support of Option 3 were Fitzpatrick, Nadin, Noble and Porter. 

Councillors O’Neil, Daly, Mudaliar and Haggar voted against the motion.

Minister Statement 

The NSW Minister for Roads and Regional Transport, Jenny Aitchison, has put out a statement that regrets the failure of the Council to address the community’s intent to maintain the heritage values of Cuttagee Bridge, but is wanting to progress to the next stage. 

“One of the requirements in this deed is that any upgrade upholds the heritage of the current bridge. The Cuttagee Bridge is a much-loved community and tourism asset. While I’m disappointed that Council has decided to proceed with a design that does not uphold the heritage of the current bridge, I respect the decision of the Council. We cannot let the failure of Council to address the community’s intent to maintain the heritage value of the bridge again stop progress on ensuring that there is a safe connection for times of emergency for this community.”

Way Forward

Our understanding is that Option 3 will now be progressed to a full design, a Review of Environmental Factors has to be finalised and the Heritage Assessment updated. Council has $15m in funding from the NSW Government, but will have to seek additional external funding of nearly $15m before they can go to tender for the construction. There is still a long way to go before the replacement project proceeds, with many unknowns. Council must be transparent with the community on where the additional funding will come from especially if ratepayers are expected to foot the bill.