Proposal to light up Old Nowra Bridge could cost Shoalhaven Council $200k

A south coast mayoral candidate wants a financially stricken council to spend upwards of $200,000 to light up a decommissioned bridge, despite some viewing the idea as “a waste of money”.

The old Nowra Bridge. Picture: Shoalhaven Council

A candidate for a financially stricken south coast council continues to support the idea of lighting up a decommissioned bridge, despite some suggesting the estimated $200,000 price tag would be better spent on housing than “fairy lights”.

Paul Ell, a Shoalhaven councillor and Liberal mayoral candidate, first announced in May he supported installing lights on the century-old Nowra Bridge as part of its restoration project.

The out-of-service bridge would then be lit up on significant days, like Anzac Day, according to Mr Ell.

Nowra Bridge was opened to the public in 1881, but was recently closed with the opening of the new, four-lane bridge.

The NSW Government has begun discussing plans on what will happen to the historic bridge, with the infrastructure seemingly set to become a pedestrian and bike path across the Shoalhaven River.

Shoalhaven Councillor Paul Ell pitched the idea on Facebook. Picture: Paul Ell

However, Mr Ell wants to copy the Maitland City Council and its Morpeth Bridge by installing coloured lights on the bridge.

Shoalhaven Council wrote to Transport for NSW after the idea was first pitched in May to see whether it was viable.

The government body has since responded to the regional council, suggesting that installing the lights could cost upwards of $200,000.

The Morpeth Bridge lit up for the 2024 Paris Olympics. Picture: Maitland City Council

Mr Ell previously told this publication why he wanted to install the lights, noting it was due to the bridge being a big part of Shoalhaven history.

“I have long thought that we should light up the bridge so that we can mark important, special occasions,” he said.

The proposal and estimated cost arises after an independent review by economics specialists AEC Group, which found the local government area was not “financially sustainable” and urged Shoalhaven Council to find avenues to save money or risk going into administration.

One of the many ways the report suggested the council could save money was a rate rise of 44 per cent across three years.

The mega rate rise was later voted down by the Shoalhaven Council, which instead opted for a 4.5 per cent special rate variation.

Multiple projects across the coastal local government area have also been temporarily halted in a bid to save funds.

Despite this, the Liberal mayoral candidate said he would continue to support placing lights on the bridge, despite the cost and council’s financial situation.

He said he would look into having government grants fund the project.

Mr Ell previously put his idea to the Shoalhaven community via social media, with some saying while they liked the proposal, they thought the money could be used elsewhere.

“I agree it’s a good idea, but with so many issues around the Shoalhaven regarding roads and services not being maintained due to budget constraints, it may be a waste of money in many ratepayers’ opinion,” Gareth Southam posted.

“That’s all well and good, but how is the housing crisis being addressed by councillors?” Carlo Di Giulio also posted.

“What’s more important – fairy lights, or housing for the community in the midst of a crisis?”

Shoalhaven Council will debate the idea on Thursday.

“I hope councillors will embrace the opportunity to use our iconic bridge to mark important milestones and occasions in this way,” Mr Ell said.

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