MNCJO Celebrates the opening of Hobarts Bridge

Published on 11 December 2025

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MNCJO celebrates opening of Hobarts Bridge and completion of Fixing Country Bridges Program in Bellingen Shire

The Mid North Coast Joint Organisation (MNCJO) welcomes the official opening of Hobarts Bridge in Bellingen Shire, marking the successful completion of the Fixing Country Bridges Program—one of the most significant infrastructure initiatives ever undertaken in the Shire.

The opening brought together representatives from all levels of government, community members and the MNCJO to acknowledge the scale and impact of the program. In total, 31 new or upgraded bridges have been delivered across Bellingen Shire, supported by $34.4 million in investment from the NSW and Australian Governments and Council contributions. These works provide long-term improvements in safety, connectivity and resilience for residents, businesses, and emergency services throughout the region.

The MNCJO played a central role in securing this outcome through the development of the Timber Bridge Renewal Prospectus, a joint advocacy initiative involving Bellingen, Kempsey, and Port Macquarie-Hastings Councils. Together, these councils manage approximately 15 per cent of NSW’s timber bridge network, with 219 structures servicing more than 130,000 residents. This collective effort resulted in funding to replace or upgrade 91 timber bridges across the region, including 33 in Bellingen Shire.

By working collectively, our councils have been able to address shared challenges, advocate with a stronger regional voice, and deliver essential infrastructure that supports resilience, safety and long-term community wellbeing. The completion of Hobarts Bridge shows what can be achieved when local and state partners work together toward a common goal.

The benefits of the program are already evident, with the new bridges demonstrating strong performance during recent severe weather events, including Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the May floods. The upgraded structures have remained operational during periods when older timber bridges would likely have faced closures or damage, ensuring communities remained connected, emergency services retained access, and recovery efforts were not delayed.

The MNCJO acknowledges and congratulates the great work by Bellingen Shire Council, government funding partners, engineers, contractors and project teams for their work in delivering this extensive program. The completion of Hobarts Bridge represents a major milestone in strengthening the region’s transport network and enhancing long-term community resilience.