‘Strange’: Gurmesh Singh pushes for more cost-effective repairs for Moonee Beach footbridge

The proposed costly demolition of a Coffs Coast pedestrian footbridge closed for close to two years has sparked a challenge in the NSW parliament.

The proposed costly demolition of a Coffs Coast footbridge closed to pedestrians for close to two years has sparked a challenge from MP Gurmesh Singh in the NSW parliament.

The Moonee Beach Pedestrian Footbridge, linking Sugarmill Rd and Moonee Beach, is the subject of a development application by Crown Land in the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure.

The DPHI described the footbridge as “structurally unstable with eroded piers and worm damage and is not considered viable for repair.”

The closure of Moonee Beach Pedestrian Footbridge has cut off access to Sapphire Beach to the south.

The DA proposes to demolish the bridge at a cost of $75,000 but does not include its replacement.

Mr Singh has called on the NSW government to “pause” on the DA so it can be debated in parliament arguing for reparation over demolition as a more cost-effective and faster route.

The picturesque waters at Moonee Beach near Coffs Harbour.

“For the cost of demolishing the bridge, they could actually replace the two piers that are eroded,” Mr Singh said.

“They could do it for the cost of far less than the cost of demolishing it, let alone rebuilding it.

“And it’s just strange they won’t do that.”

If the motion does not get debated in NSW parliament before the DA is greenlit, the DPHI will go ahead with the demolition.

Moonee Beach is a popular local and tourist hotspot.

“Funding, ownership and management of any new bridge structure will need to be considered by Crown Lands as part of the bridge replacement process,” a spokeswoman said.

Staff at the Moonee Beach Reflections Holiday Park, which is responsible for the Moonee Beach Reserve and foreshore, have expressed their frustration with the delays to date.

“It will be better without it as it’s pretty much unusable,” Reflections guest service agent Ashleigh Green said.

Scenic Moonee Beach. Photo:Trevor Veale / Coffs Coast Advocate

“But people do want it replaced.

“Without it you can walk through the water but it’s up to your knees.”

The DA is open for submissions on the City of Coffs Harbour’s website until April 4th.

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Originally published as ‘Strange’: Gurmesh Singh pushes for more cost-effective repairs for Moonee Beach footbridge