The Cuttagee Bridge survey results that Council was keeping to itself

Bega Valley Shire Council’s community survey about the Cuttagee Bridge showed that 70% of respondents want the bridge rebuilt as a single lane one made primarily from timber.

The Save Cuttagee Bridge Group (SCBG) accessed the survey using Freedom of Information legislation.

SCBG spokesperson Sheena Boughen said the survey results are clearly a matter of public interest. Since Council first signalled its intention to replace the single-lane timber bridge with a two-lane concrete one there have been well-supported public protests and town meetings, and a petition with almost 15,000 signatures.

The Council survey received 528 responses, 82% of those were from people living locally. ‘Bega Valley Shire Council’s own website states its commitment to incorporating community opinion into decisions and we feel certain that Councillors would want to know what local people think before they make a decision about Cuttagee Bridge,’ Ms Boughen said.

In a statement, Council said ‘… it is important to clarify that our intention was never to publish the survey results as a standalone document. Instead, we aimed to gather targeted information concerning the three design options explicitly mentioned in the funding deed.’

SCBG will speak to each Councillor explaining it wants a one-lane bridge that honours the existing bridge’s timber heritage and character because it is safer, more affordable, more sustainable, satisfies the state government’s funding deed for a restoration in line with heritage principles, and fits with the aesthetics and cultural tone of the area, namely being in nature.

Council will publicly exhibit the three rough design sketches, with very little detail, for at least 29 days from 8 September. They will be published on Council’s website for public comment and submissions. There will a public drop-in session held at Bega Village Shopping Centre on 11 September from 3.00 pm and the Bermagui Markets on 28 September from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm.

Marion Williams

Photo: Cuttagee Bridge, David Rogers Photography.