When the access bridge to a farm is washed away by flooding caused by ex- Cyclone Alfred, who is responsible for fixing it?

On a property at Upper Duck Creek, near old Bonalbo, a woman in her 80s living with her son, in his 60s (both asked not to be named) have no access in and out of their farm because the bridge was washed away during recent flooding. The damaged bridge is not on their land.

Since March 7, their only means of communication is email (when they have power). 

The Telstra landline has been washed away and Telstra has advised it won’t be fixed until at least March 21.

Police Rescue managed to cross the flooded creek a week ago to do a welfare check.

Residents Paul and Michelle Malt have been helping supply food and medication.

The bridge has no floor to it, only the pole structure remains, so to make it easier to get supplies in Paul built a flying fox on Thursday, March 13.

Paul said all three levels of government have been notified, including Kyogle Council.

Paul is worried that restoring access to the property will fall into the “too hard basket.”

Who is responsible for fixing the bridge? The owner, the council, Crown Lands, EPA because it’s over a river, or the State Government?

IndyNR.com intends to find out.

In the meantime, Paul’s flying fox will keep the woman and her son stocked in supplies.

Did you know?

Near the property featured in the story, one of the planes operated by Sir Charles Kingsford Smith through his company, Australian National Airways, was forced to land at Old Bonalbo in 1930. Read about that here.

This article appeared on indyNR.com on 16 March 2025.