Hampden Bridge, Sustainable Roads and Kangaroo Valley’s 2026 Economy and Society

The Hampden Bridge is the centre of Kangaroo Valley, literally and figuratively. It embodies Federation and the formation of the Australian nation as well as the economic, social, cultural and environmental aspirations of the future. When you get to Hampden Bridge across the Kangaroo River, no matter what vehicle you drive, you have to stop and look to the other end of the single-carriage-way and give way to any preceding, oncoming traffic. This symbolic stop is what has come to define Kangaroo Valley. It is a time to catch a breath, take stock and have a look around. In so many ways Hampden Bridge filters out unsustainable development and is a measure of what is appropriate for a sensitive environment and a unique natural ecology. An enclosed Valley, with two main mountain passes and three other fragile entrance/exits, serves no purpose as a regional throughway. Like Macquarie Pass and Jamberoo Mountain Pass, B73/MVR 271-the Moss Vale/Nowra Rd, is a valued regional road but it cannot be a major arterial road for heavy freight in the 21st century. The question should not be: how can a freight route be built through Kangaroo Valley? but how can Kangaroo Valley’s roads and infrastructure be more sustainable, affordable and support social and economic well being and development locally and regionally.