$5 million to restore accessto North Bourke Bridge

Bourke Shire Council has received $5million to restore new concrete approaches to the historic North Bourke Bridge. Photo: Ian Cole

Story: Chris Rieger and Ian Cole

Almost two years after its deteriorating 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 build 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. […]

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