Rumours rife of Bridge’s demolition

While the authorities remain tight-lipped on the future of the old Glebe Island Bridge, Sydney City Deputy Lord Mayor, Marcelle Hoff, insists speculation that the NSW Government wants to demolish the structure is “more than a rumour”.
A spokesperson for Maritime NSW has denied claims by News Limited that the Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), who currently own the bridge, would be passing it over to them, but refused to clarify its position.
An RTA spokesperson recycled a statement saying that no decision on the future of the bridge has been made.
“The future of the Glebe Island Bridge is currently being discussed between the relevant government departments,” said the spokesperson.
However, Councillor Hoff, who could not reveal her sources, said that both departments have reasons for demolishing the bridge.
“The Maritime don’t want to necessarily keep the bridge… they say that improved navigation and improved environmental flushing of Blackwattle Bay are two reasons for not keeping it,” she said.
The Glebe Society say that they have received an account of a review conducted by the RTA on the Bridge which considered the options of demolition; maintenance and part maintenance.
“The rumoured outcome is that demolition is the favoured option and the rumoured motivation is short term cost savings,” Glebe Society President, Dr Lesley Lynch.
The Bridge is listed on the RTA’s Heritage and Conservation Register, described as “an impressive structure sited in the middle of a wide waterway”.
A 2001 assessment of the Bridge stated that it was in fair condition but that problems needed to be addressed for its long-term survival.
“It is, therefore, deeply disturbing that persistent rumours suggest the Government is moving to demolish the Bridge without consultation, relying instead on a secret, internal RTA review of options,” said Dr Lynch.
Dr Lynch says the new powers given to the Minister for Planning to override heritage listings are further grounds for unease.
The Glebe Society is asking the Minister for Planning to immediately clarify the Government’s intentions for the Bridge.
“We would strongly and actively oppose any decision to demolish the Glebe Island Bridge – and especially if this occurs provocatively without consultation and without an integrated plan for the area,” said Dr Lynch.
In operation since 1901, the electrically operated swing bridge was replaced by the cable-stayed ANZAC Bridge in 1995. Local community groups have plans to rejuvenate it as a cycleway and pedestrian link.