As the new, multi-million dollar Stingray Creek Bridge receives its finishing touches, the old structure is set to be demolished.

Mr Plummer’s idea to transport the ailing bridge to the ocean attracted plenty of support. Read the original idea here.

Mr Plummer said dragging the old structure off the coast of the Camden Haven would have benefits for the region’s boating, fishing and tourism industries with flow-on to boost the local business economy.

“Instead of demolishing the old bridge and transporting it at large expense to its grave as landfill, let’s transport it by barge, take it not far out to sea and build a reef or three offshore from Laurieton,” he wrote.

“As the old bridge is being demolished, lower it on a barge take it out the Camden Haven entrance and construct several artificial reefs.

“Sure, it’s not as majestic like the [artificial reefs] scientifically designed (like Port Macquarie) or a sunken ship, but within years, marine growth would adhere to it - the fish, molluscs and crustaceans would make it their home ensuring success similar to the Port Macquarie structure.”

Member for Port Macquarie applauded the Mr Plummer’s idea in principle.

“I congratulate Brad on his idea of creating an artificial reef using the old Stingray Creek Bridge because we already know about the benefits of the artificial reef installed off the coast of Port Macquarie by the NSW Government,” Mrs Williams said.

“I understand there would be some environmental constraints associated with using the old bridge including possible material contaminants.

“As the owners of the bridge, Port Macquarie-Hastings Council would need to request a variation of the construction contract which also includes the removal of the bridge.

“They would also need to carry out the necessary environmental assessments to determine if the idea is achievable before any funding could be applied for to progress Brad’s idea.”

Port Macquarie-Hastings mayor Peter Besseling said while the idea of a reef off the coast of the Camden Haven was a good one, the existing old bridge would not be a suitable starting block for environmental and contractual reasons.

“Port Macquarie-Hastings Council supports the use of structures off the coast for the purposes of creating reefs in appropriate locations,” Cr Besseling said. 

“The high levels of uncertainty and risk surrounding the use of the current Stingray Creek Bridge for such purposes is not supported by the council.

“These risks include required contract variations and unknown time lines associated with an external process that the council has no control over, has no clear time-frames and no guarantee of approval.

“The costs associated with these required approvals, alongside the decontamination of materials, are both unknown and do not form part of the project budget.

“The council is looking to put in place master plans for our local beaches, including areas such as Lake Cathie, and have allocated funding for such planning within the draft Operational Plan that is currently on exhibition (until May 18).

“Any master plan for the area will deal with the council’s future approach to issues such as dredging and erosion, alongside planning for future infrastructure requirements.”

The old Stingray Creek Bridge will continue as scheduled for demolition, however ideas outside the box are always welcome – thanks Brad Plummer.