A single-lane bridge immediately upstream of the Kindee suspension bridge has come out on top after community consultation about replacement options.
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Kindee suspension bridge was built in 1936 with many elements passing their original design life.
A new bridge will be needed down the track to continue to provide access across the Hastings River to the Kindee valley from the Oxley Highway.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council received 49 surveys and four submissions when it sought community feedback on bridge replacement options.
There was a community expectation that the existing bridge be preserved and alternate uses considered.
A report detailing the Kindee bridge replacement investigation went before the June council meeting.
The council unanimously endorsed option B and agreed to proceed with the relevant planning.
Option B provides for a single-lane, high-level bridge crossing immediately upstream of the existing bridge, utilising the existing road approaches.
That option was the most popular choice from respondents during the community consultation.
The council will actively identify and seek funding opportunities to allow construction of the new crossing as soon as possible.
The critical maintenance of the existing Kindee bridge will continue to be funded in accordance with the Conservation Management Plan.
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Deputy mayor Lisa Intemann said the council had to be able to make a decision which included a pragmatic approach as well as the suspension bridge's heritage and community connection.
Cr Intemann said the council would seek funding opportunities and continue to engage with the community about options that may be put forward.
Cr Peter Alley said: "It's the right solution for the transport needs of the area, it's the right solution for the heritage needs of the area and it's right for the community."
The council will proceed with investigations into the heritage interpretation of the existing bridge including opportunities for enhanced recreational facilities, such as tourism, education, heritage studies, continual use and potential adaptive reuse.
The bridge and its approaches cost 5000 pounds back in 1936, a plaque near the suspension bridge shows.
Kindee suspension bridge will be 100-years-old in 2036.
The council will continue to engage with the community through design of the alternate crossing, ongoing management of the existing structure and options for heritage interpretation.
The community engagement report said results showed the respondents' preference for a replacement bridge was option B to be built sooner rather than later.
The majority of respondents indicated it was important for any new bridge to have access for a heavy vehicles and have a high-level flood immunity.
While some respondents preferred option E4, the majority expressed that for this option to progress, Pipeclay Road would need to upgraded, the engagement report said.
Option E4 proposed the construction of a high-level bridge 5.6 km downstream from the existing bridge, crossing the Hastings River immediately to the east of Long Flat.
The community engagement report said respondents would like to see the suspension bridge promoted as a footbridge to encourage tourism to the Hastings hinterland.
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