The session follows a meeting between members of the Wyndham community and Bega Valley Shire Council mayor Kristy McBain, general manager Leanne Barnes, transport and utilities director Terry Dodds and bridge assets inspector Mal Fraser, last Thursday.

Wyndham resident Chris O'Sullivan said there a “robust exchange of information and views” throughout the 90-minute meeting during which he said it had become obvious that council had never budgeted for the restoration and return of the trusses to the bridge.

The 120-year old trusses were removed during work to lift the bridge’s load limit in 2014 and have been stored in a council paddock in Bega ever since.

Wyndham Progress Association spokesman Bob Hunt said it was a great shame that the “charade” that had developed over the bridge had led to the abuse and neglect of the trusses.

“Pretty Point Bridge remains a heritage place, with high cultural significance to the community and I think council now understands that the community needs both trusses to return home, even if they cannot yet go back on the bridge” he said.

Pretty Point Bridge Action Group member Colleen Stewart said she was “appalled” at council’s suggestion that the trusses be placed at the lookout or park in Wyndham, saying the trusses belong on the bridge.

A council spokeswoman said that no funds were currently committed to move the trusses to Wyndham but it would continue to work with the community to decide how best to conserve the heritage of the bridge.