Bellingen Shire Council (BSC) is seeking approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) for the Joyces, Hobarts, Justins, and Duffys Bridge upgrades (EPBC 2024/09805). The project involves the construction of four new concrete bridges and the decommissioning of four existing timber bridges in the BSC local government area (LGA) in the Mid North Coast region of New South Wales, located at:
- Justins Bridge on the Bellinger River, Darkwood Road, Darkwood
- Joyces Bridge on the Bellinger River, Darkwood Road, Darkwood
- Hobarts Bridge on the Bellinger River, Darkwood Road, Darkwood
- Duffys Bridge on the Kalang River, Kalang Road, Kalang
The proposed development was determined a controlled action under the EPBC Act with assessment by Preliminary Documentation. The
controlling provisions are listed threatened species and communities (sections 18 and 18A of the EPBC Act), including the Bellinger River snapping turtle (Myuchelys georgesi) and the Giant barred frog (Mixophyes iteratus).
In accordance with section 95A(3) of the EPBC Act, public comments are now invited on the Preliminary Documentation for the proposed
development for a period of 10 business days from Thursday 14 November to Thursday 28 November 2024. Hard copies of the Preliminary Documentation will be available at no or reasonable cost at each of the following locations:
Bellingen Shire Council Administration Building – 33 Hyde Street, Bellingen NSW 2450
Bellingen Shire Council Library – 33 Hyde Street, Bellingen NSW 2450
Biodiversity, Conservation and Science Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water – Level 1, 30-32 Park Avenue, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450
Dorrigo Rainforest Centre – 142 Dome Road Dorrigo Mountain, NSW 2453
Written and Email submissions should be directed to: council@bellingen.nsw.gov.au
All comments must be received by 5pm Thursday 28 November 2024. Persons with special needs (e.g. for whom English is a second language or who have vision impairment) may contact the Bellingen Shire Council for assistance in accessing the material on 02 6655 7300.