Community invited to have a say on Sunnyside rail bridge
The community is invited to have a say on the historical and cultural importance of the non-operational Sunnyside rail bridge, an 1880s state heritage-listed timber viaduct near Tenterfield.
Following a partial collapse of the bridge in December last year, Transport for NSW and its contractor UGL Regional Linx (URLRL) implemented measures such as fencing and signage to ensure community safety.
Transport is undertaking further assessments and working with Heritage NSW and the NSW Environment Protection Authority to determine the next steps for Sunnyside rail bridge.
While no decision has been made on its future, Transport is developing a Heritage Interpretation Strategy that identifies and highlights the heritage significance of the bridge. Transport is seeking input from the community and key stakeholders to help inform the strategy.
A public feedback period opens today. It includes an online survey and several face-to-face community sessions in Tenterfield later this month.
Transport is also consulting directly with key stakeholders including Tenterfield Regional Council, other government agencies and key interest groups in the region.
Director of Regional Property and Asset Renewal Victoria Oszko said Transport is keen to hear from a range of perspectives and expertise.
“We want to know what the Sunnyside Bridge at Tenterfield means to the community and the historical values, stories and themes associated with it,” Ms Oszko said.
“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 on Sunnyside rail bridge is open from Tuesday, 3 June 2025 until Wednesday, 2 July 2025. The survey can be completed online at www.haveyoursay.nsw.gov.au/sunnyside-bridge-heritage-interpretation or via a shortcut at bit.ly/sunnyside-HYS
Community members can also participate in the survey via email or phone by contacting CRNnon-operationalbridges@transport.nsw.gov.au or calling 1800 491 566.
There will also be two community drop-in sessions in Tenterfield on 19 June from noon to 2pm and from 5pm to 7pm at Coles Supermarket, Henry Parkes Plaza, corner of Rouse St & Miles St in Tenterfield, where community members can find out more about the project, ask questions, and also fill out the survey on paper.