Almost two years after its deteriorated timber approaches were demolished, the historic North Bourke Bridge is set to become accessible again following a major funding announcement.
Bourke Shire Council has secured $5 million through the NSW Government’s 2026–27 Get NSW Active Program to construct new concrete approaches to the bridge.
The project will restore pedestrian and cyclist access across one of Bourke’s most significant heritage landmarks while providing a safer and more durable connection between Bourke and North Bourke.
The original timber approaches were demolished in late November 2024 after their condition was found to pose a major safety hazard to the public.
Sydney-based company Delany Civil was awarded a $413,000 contract to remove the 15 spans of timber approaches on either side of the bridge’s historic lifting span.
The demolition followed years of concern about the deterioration of the timber structure. Public access to the approaches had been barricaded in 2016 after Bourke Shire Council ceased maintaining them because of their condition.
At the time of the demolition, replacement of the approaches appeared unlikely, prompting considerable disappointment within the community and leaving the bridge’s central lifting span inaccessible.
The future of the landmark had been uncertain for much longer.
The North Bourke Bridge was effectively mothballed in 1997 following the construction of the Gateway Bridge. The former Roads and Maritime Services had considered completely removing the older bridge before Bourke Shire Council accepted responsibility for it and resolved to preserve the structure.
Council’s intention was to restore the bridge for pedestrian use and maintain a connection with North Bourke.
In 2023, Transport for NSW provided $400,000 towards a study examining options to restore the bridge and improve pedestrian and cycling access, with Council contributing the remaining cost of the investigation.
The newly secured $5 million will now allow those plans to progress through the construction of permanent concrete approaches.
Bourke Shire Mayor Cr Lachlan Ford described the funding as a significant investment in Bourke’s future.
“This is an outstanding outcome for Bourke and a major investment in infrastructure that will benefit our community for generations,” Cr Ford said.
The project will restore pedestrian and cyclist access, improve safety and accessibility, preserve an important part of Bourke’s history and enhance the experience of residents and visitors.
It is also expected to strengthen the physical connection between Bourke and North Bourke, which has lacked a dedicated pedestrian and cycle link since the historic bridge was closed.
Cr Ford thanked the NSW Government for recognising the importance of investing in regional communities and acknowledged the work of Council staff in preparing the successful funding application.
“Receiving the full $5 million available under this program is a tremendous result for Bourke,” he said.
“This investment will ensure an important part of Bourke’s history can once again be experienced and enjoyed by future generations.”
Bourke Shire Council says it looks forward to work commencing and will provide further updates to the community as the project progresses.