Tallow Creek footbridge

Announcement

The Tallow Creek footbridge is being repaired.

This will be a temporary repair, and a more permanent repair of the bridge will happen in the future.

fence across entrance to timber bridge with sign saying footbridge closed

The Tallow Creek footbridge in Suffolk Park closed in August 2025.

The decision to close the bridge was made in the interest of public safety, due to structural issues and termite activity.

Temporary crossing

A temporary repair of the crossing was done in December 2025. This work is funded by Council.

Permanent repair - planning for a new bridge

We have received a draft geotechnical report for the site.

This will inform the design and construction of a new, resilient structure suited to the coastal environment.

Once the final report is received, the next steps will include:

Costing various bridge design options
Requesting funding for detailed design and construction
Construction tender.

Timeframe

Once funding is confirmed, the process may take approximately 12 months to be completed.

2–3 months for tendering
3 months for design
3 months for fabrication
3 months for installation.

This is not a quick fix. The process will ensure the long-term safety and durability of this vital community connection.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work through the planning, funding, and delivery stages of this essential infrastructure renewal.

History of the bridge

The bridge was originally built in 1987. The bridge has served the community for nearly 40 years, connecting Byron Bay High School, Ingenia Holiday Park, and Tallow Beach.

Despite regular maintenance, the structure has reached the end of its life and must be replaced. The average lifespan for timber structures is 40-60 years.