90-year-old Kindee Bridge gets a much needed restoration

PORT Macquarie-Hastings Council will strengthen the ageing Kindee Bridge, restoring it to a 10-tonne load limit and extending its operational life by an estimated 10 to 20 years.

Community members received the update at a recent meeting attended by Member for Oxley Michael Kemp, Federal Member for Lyne Alison Penfold, Mayor of Port Macquarie-Hastings Council Adam Roberts, and Council’s Director of Community Infrastructure Ben Wood.

“This bridge has served this community for close to a century,” Mr Kemp said.

“But at nearly 90-years-old and with a 3.5-tonne load limit in place, we need to start serious conversations about its long-term future.”

Mr Kemp acknowledged that population and traffic data have historically placed the bridge lower on the priority list compared to other regional infrastructure projects.

“Councils are juggling enormous infrastructure pressures, particularly across rural and regional areas,” he said.

“But this community has waited its turn.”

Council will strengthen the footings and maintain the structure to return it to its previous 10-tonne capacity.

“The strengthening works gives PMHC a 10 to 20-year window to plan properly and secure funding,” Mr Kemp said.

Member for Lyne Alison Penfold said the three tiers of government will be working together to advocate for the funds needed to replace the bridge.

“We listened to the frustrations of locals and the need for clarity and transparency [about] maintenance and upgrade planning,” she said.

“It connects families, supports local businesses, gets kids to school and ensures emergency services can respond when they are needed most.

“For communities like Kindee, this infrastructure is essential.”

PMHC ranks the bridge second on its infrastructure priority list behind Wrights Road/Lake Road.

By Sis HIGGINS