Forster-Tuncurry: Tourism operator puts bold proposal forward for landmark bridge
An iconic bridge rivalling modern-day marvels such as the Sea Cliff Bridge south of Sydney has been pitched for a Mid-North Coast town. See the images.
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A world-class bridge that would be the envy of all other coastal towns up and down the NSW coast has been pitched by a local tourism guru for Forster-Tuncurry.
Derived from similar man-made sea structures, such as the Sea Cliff Bridge south of Sydney, Forster businessman Job Jeffress has concocted a bold proposal for a ‘signature statement’ bridge to be replace the 62-year-old structure across the Wallis Lake.
The bridge would encapsulate the ‘natural beauty’ of Forster’s ‘beautiful pristine canvass’ adding a more functional and aesthetic element to the town’s growing appeal as a popular tourism destination.
Mr Jeffress, who owns a diverse portfolio of holiday letting agencies and small businesses, has designed a range of concept images rivalling a similar style of structure to the modern-day Sea Cliff Bridge at Stanwell Park.
He said every well-known town and city in the world is reverting to designing man-made landmarks that separate their identity from one another.
“The whole nature of tourism has now turned to nature-based tourism as the priority,” he said.
“We don’t need massive high rise developments [in Forster-Tuncurry], what we need is people who want to come here, walk and sit on the beach, ride a bike, and the best thing we can do is showcase that natural beauty to them.
“For a town that’s focused on showcasing tourism we need to showcase the water, and the natural beauty of the town. We want something that is complimentary and iconic.
“My pitch, is that instead of us just building another bridge or putting in another flat slap of concrete, let’s design an iconic landmark that can be a signature statement for Forster.
“Every town in the world these days, whether it’s San Frisco or London, is defined by man-made landmarks.
“Just like the Sea Cliff Bridge, this can be one of the best investments ever made in Forster’s tourism future.”
The idea for a new bridge has been bubbling away in Forster for a while, but the tragic death of local man Jack Yuille who was killed in a car accident at the bridge exit last week, has reignited the debate for a new, purpose-built or upgraded structure with more lanes.
Currently, there is about 5km of four-lane traffic in Forster-Tuncurry, which is separated by a 625m two-lane eyesore, which was built in 1959.
In the 62 years since it opened, Mr Jeffress said the region’s population has more than quadrupled, and the bridge can no longer adequately service the needs of locals, let alone the swelling population of holiday visitors.
He said the answer is an inspiring, modern design that allows traffic to flow freely between the two towns, 365 days of the year.
“It’s tremendously important that the bridge not only to service the local needs, but the needs of the swelling population when the town double’s during peak season,” he said.
“When I look at the bridge, I see not only a piece of infrastructure that’s sadly needed. What we need is something that flows, and joins the two towns.”
On Tuesday, Member for Myall Lakes Stephen Bromhead launched a community petition for more lanes across Wallis Lake.
If it reaches a minimum of 10,000 signatures, it would be debated on the floor of parliament bringing the issue of a bridge upgrade to forefront of NSW Government.
“I have been advocating for extra lanes across the water between Forster and Tuncurry behind the scenes for years now but it’s time we bring this fight into the open and show the NSW Government the immense public support,” Mr Bromhead said.
“The tragedy on Thursday night was a stark reminder of why we need more than one connection between Forster and Tuncurry.
“When the bridge is closed it leaves our community vulnerable with ambulances, police, fire fighters and other emergency services cut off and forced to detour for two hours via Bulahdelah to make what should be only a five minute journey across the bridge.”
Tuncurry Rural Fire Service Captain Steve Surguy said extra lanes between Forster and Tuncurry would be a game changer for emergency services.
“The villages of Forster and Tuncurry are highly reliant on each other and when cut off our region becomes incredibly vulnerable,” Mr Surguy said.
“A second crossing or increased lanes across the water would eliminate the risk of isolation currently facing our community and ensure emergency vehicles could access both Forster and Tuncurry without delay.”
The petition will be available to sign at Mr Bromhead’s Tuncurry office and at various businesses across the region.
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