The Tenterfield community in New South Wales is invited to have a say on the historical and cultural importance of the non-operational Sunnyside rail bridge.
The 1880s state heritage-listed timber viaduct suffered a partial collapse in December 2024.
Since then, Transport for NSW and its contractor UGL Regional Linx (URLRL) has implemented measures such as fencing and signage to ensure community safety.
Transport for NSW is now undertaking further assessments and working with Heritage NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) to determine the next steps for the bridge.
Transport for NSW is developing a Heritage Interpretation Strategy that identifies and highlights the heritage significance of the bridge and is seeking input from the community and key stakeholders to help inform the strategy.
The public forum is now open and includes an online survey and several face-to-face community sessions in Tenterfield in June.
Transport for NSW is also consulting directly with key stakeholders including Tenterfield Regional Council, other government agencies and key interest groups in the region.
Victoria Oszko, Director of Regional Property and Asset Renewal for Transport for NSW said the feedback will provide a range of perspectives and expertise from the community.
“We want to know what the Sunnyside Bridge at Tenterfield means to the community and the historical values, stories and themes associated with it,” said Oszko.
“The aim of this consultation period is to leverage local knowledge, understanding and community aspirations for this structure so those aspects of cultural and historical significance can be considered as we develop the Heritage Interpretation Strategy.”
Consultation will close on Wednesday, 2 July 2025.
