Bridge timbers from the Pretty Point Bridge at Wyndham have been stolen during work to lift the load limit from five tonnes to 20 tonnes.
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Bega Valley Shire Council’s civil assets and development manager, Graeme Williams, said the timber trusses were replaced with steel Unibridge girders during the first stage of the work.
“While the trusses were being stored at the intersection of Mt Darragh and New Buildings Road awaiting transport to Bega, a significant number of timber members within the trusses were stolen,” he said.
“The original intention was to restore the trusses and reinstall them on the bridge as a non-load bearing feature to provide a visual historical link to Wyndham’s past.”
Mr Williams said timber to restore the trusses would be expensive to replace, if it was available at all, so Council would have to investigate alternative timber species or materials to carry out the repairs.
“The complete work on Pretty Point Bridge will be at least a three-year project and has to be carried out in conjunction with Council’s bridge renewal and maintenance programs,” he said.
“The timing of the restoration of the trusses will depend on other Council bridge priorities and will be some years away.
“This was a disappointing finish to what was otherwise a well-executed stage with minimal disruption to the local community.”
Councillor Sharon Tapscott described the theft as “a low act”, and appealed to the public for help in locating those responsible.
“I cannot believe anyone would do this,” she said.
“Council has gone to a lot of trouble to save this old, historical bridge.
“It could have just been replaced with a concrete structure but it was too beautiful, instead it was dismantled carefully piece by piece and repaired.
“The original trusses – some of the last in the state of that type – were saved to be replaced and retain the original effect.
“What a low act – someone must have seen something.
“It would have taken a truck, hoist and more than one person to steal theses trusses.
“If you know anything please come forward or just let someone know where we can find the structures.”
Anyone with information on the missing timber is asked to contact their local police station or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
