Editor’s Note: drone footage and photos available here.
An $18 million Albanese Government-funded project to replace and remove two ageing wooden bridges is strengthening a vital Northern Rivers evacuation and supply route, bolstering local flood resilience.
The formal opening of the new twin bridges over Deep Creek and Spring Gully at Tatham, halfway between Coraki and Casino, showcases a major upgrade to a key community link.
Richmond Valley Council managed the construction project under the $150 million Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program (NRRRP), administered by the NSW Reconstruction Authority and funded by the Australian Government.
The new bridges are 1.2 metres higher than their timber predecessors, providing a stronger and more resilient link for residents between Coraki and Casino during disasters.
Freight, tourism and the local sugar cane and livestock industries are also set to benefit from the upgrade. B-double trucks and other heavy vehicles rely on the bridges as part of a critical connection between the Summerland Way and Pacific Highway, and transport links to Southeast Queensland, especially in the aftermath of disasters.
It is one of 36 NRRRP projects across the region. So far, 22 projects have been completed, including the Dairy Flat drainage improvements and the Thearles Canal culvert installation, as well as Coraki and Woodburn Town Drains, South and East Lismore Town Drains and Dorothy Street Flood Pump Station.
The Northern Rivers Recovery and Resilience Program was established in the wake of the devastating 2022 floods, helping to fund local projects that strengthen critical infrastructure and reduce future disaster risk.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government was in it for the long haul when it came to supporting Northern Rivers recovery, from the initial early response and recovery, to now investing in resilience projects that would protect lives, keep supply routes open and help local businesses in the years ahead.
“The Northern Rivers is an area that has seen more than its share of disasters, and we are committed to ensuring the essential infrastructure they rely on is built back to a higher standard, that it is stronger, safer and designed to stand up to future flood events.”
NSW Minister for Recovery, Janelle Saffin, praised the completion of the bridges as a key win for Northern Rivers flood resilience.
“It is great to see all three levels of government working together on our shared mission to bolster the resilience of the Northern Rivers and ensure our communities can recover faster from disasters.
“These new bridges are a significant step forward; by replacing ageing timber with a structure built 1.2 metres higher, we are securing a vital link for families and freight that will remain reliable when it matters most.
“This is about delivering the stronger, safer infrastructure our residents deserve to keep them connected during times of crisis.”
Richmond Valley Mayor Robert Mustow thanked the Australian and NSW Governments for their funding and support.
“It’s great to see the Tatham bridges finished and open. These bridges are a vital link between Casino and the Mid Richmond communities and the Pacific Motorway, keeping freight and families moving.”
“Importantly, when the next flood comes, restoring access will be much quicker, which will be a real help to those affected areas.”
For more information visit: https://richmondvalley.nsw.gov.au/signature-projects/tatham-bridges/.
Photo caption: NSW Recovery Minister Janelle Saffin does the ribbon cutting with Richmond Valley Mayor Cr Robert Mustow, her grandson Gabriel, and State Member for Clarence Richie Williamson.
