Casino has a suspension bridge – and it’s a beauty.
The 160metre long bridge arcs over the Richmond River in a feat of engineering made possible by the Forge team.
The span between the two towers on opposite banks of the river is 55 metres and at its highest point, the bridge deck is 19metres above the river below.
The bridge cost $3.5million to build and is for use by pedestrians and cyclists. And yes, it wobbles when you walk across.
It was a day of celebration for Richmond Valley Council at the official opening today, Saturday, June 27.
The bridge project was built quickly – work started in October last year, there was a delay for bat season and then all of a sudden it seemed to be finished. The quickness was because the bridge was fabricated in Maitland and trucked to Casino.
Council’s Ben Zeller said the idea for a suspension bridge is not a new one.
Ten years ago, there was talk at council about a bridge across the Richmond linking the parklands, sporting fields and South Casino to the CBD. Today, it is a reality.
“It’s unlike anything in the state,” Mr Zeller said.
Federal MP Kevin Hogan was at the opening. He called the bridge – “The Golden Gate of the Northern Rivers.” referring to the famous bridge in San Francisco.
Mayor Robert Mustow spoke to more than 150 people gathered for the opening about the history of the bridge connection.
In 1884, Carrington Park opened. In 1954, after Queen Elizabeth visited Casino, the park was renamed Queen Elizabeth Park. The Bunya trees in the park were planted by the Queen.
Photo: Susanna Freymark.
The footbridge was built in 1884.
“For 138 years the footbridge has served us,” Mr Mustow said.
Mr Mustow said when he was a kid, he would jump over the missing planks.
The suspension bridge has been built to withstand Casino’s heavy seasonal river flows which have frequently seen the footbridge damaged and often made impassable in past years.
The next time the footbridge is damaged in floods, it will not be repaired, now that the suspension bridge is complete.
Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin was also at the opening.
“I have an affection for Casino and I’ve seen it develop,” she said.
“This is a real tourist attraction.”
Ms Saffin said the phrase Build back better had been used often since the 2022 floods.
“This is my first bridge project,” Ms De Wit said.
“It’s been awesome and I’ve learned a lot.”
The bridge connects residents living in South Casino and revitalises the Barker Street end of town where the Cassino Art Gallery is.
The bridge is jointly funded by the Australian and State Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements. The project was funded under the Community Local Infrastructure Recovery Package, which is part of the DRFA-funded 2022 Community Assets Program.
Lights are planned for the suspension bridge and should be working in about a week’s time.
See all the pictures at indyNR.com.
This article appeared on indyNR.com on 28 June 2026.
