The repair of a popular footbridge which connects Camden and Elderslie over the Nepean River is moving along after Camden Council accepted almost $2.5 million, co-funded by the Australian and NSW Governments.

Little Sandy Bridge and the surrounding riverbank was left significantly damaged after the Camden area was devastated by four floods in just five months in 2022. Each flooding event worsened the riverbank erosion, causing the current bridge to be unviable and a new design necessary.

The funding, accepted by Mayor of Camden Cr Ashleigh Cagney in December during Council’s recess period, was granted from the Community Assets Program, administered by the Department of Regional NSW. The grants program awarded $70 million to successful applicants for the repair, restoration or betterment of community infrastructure that was damaged by the February and June 2022 floods.

The funding will help Council deliver the design and construction of the project, including the repair and betterment of path access on Little Sandy Bridge and the enhancement of the embankments to resist future flood events.

The design is scheduled to be completed in the later part of 2024 and quotations for construction completed by the end of 2024.

Cr Cagney said the funding would go a long way in supporting the Little Sandy Bridge Repair and Resilience Provision.

“We know how important Little Sandy Bridge is as a pedestrian walkway and cycleway for our residents. We were devastated by the impact of the floods on this significant connection in our area and that’s why we’re committed to repairing the bridge and ensuring it is resistant to floods moving forward,” she said.

“Thank you to the Department of Regional NSW for this very welcome funding.”

For more information, visit Council’s website.