Crown Lands completes $1.12 million Apple Tree Glen Bridge

The NSW Government has completed construction of a new safe and secure bridge at Apple Tree Glen at Burrapine in the Nambucca Shire, ensuring residents, farmers, and emergency services can maintain safe and secure access to the area.

Crown Lands invested $1.12 million to complete the single lane, elevated concrete bridge which provides access from Taylors Arm Road to rural properties to the south. The bridge crosses Taylors Arm, a tributary to the Nambucca River, south of the intersection of Taylors Arm Road.

The new structure has been designed to better withstand floods and has an expected life span of 100 years while requiring little ongoing maintenance, providing peace of mind for the small, close- knit community which relies on the bridge to cross the creek to reach their properties.

The new bridge replaces the former timber structure that was in poor condition and had reached the end of its life. The wooden bridge was frequently impacted by floods and was difficult to navigate, especially at night, which posed a safety hazard to motorists.

The new bridge will improve transport for residents who will now be able to easily cross the creek to visit the nearest town.

The new structure will ensure emergency services crews such as police, ambulance and fire brigade have secure access when they need to visit local properties during bushfires, medical or other emergencies. It will also provide access for local farm vehicles.

Apple Tree Glen resident Greg Holmes said the old bridge posed problem for residents.

“Some of my neighbours are older and it was difficult for them to easily seek medical treatment because of how tricky it was to cross the creek, and I run a small cattle business, and couldn’t get a cattle carrier safely across the old bridge,” Mr Holmes said.

“The new bridge is built to carry heavy vehicle traffic, withstand flooding and enable safe evacuation during bushfire emergencies.”

Crown Lands Executive Director of Land and Asset Management Greg Sullivan said the new bridge will serve the community for many years to come.

"This new bridge will be an enormous benefit for the residents who rely on the creek crossing as their only access route to and from their properties,” Mr Sullivan said.

“Not only will this make everyday tasks like shopping easier, but it will ensure residents can safely leave the area in the event of a bushfire, flood or medical emergency. “