Why A Temporary Military Bridge Across the Kangaroo River Does Not Make Sense to Anybody..

The Hon. Jenny Aitchison, Minister for Regional Roads and Transport cannot be faulted. In 2025 she was determined to examine problems which had been swept under the carpet for many years, namely the neglect of the heritage listed Hampden Bridge across the Kangaroo River. She came to Kangaroo Valley and consulted with the community. The Minister was determined to find solutions particularly for a community that had been cut off by floods in 2024 and for Valley farmers and other industries dependent on transportation. But it is essential now that the Minister stands back and considers all of the facts as well as the larger economic perspective. The first perspective that she needs to take into account is the fact that short term politics and narrow departmental concerns cannot over ride the overwhelming economic benefits of retaining the Hampden Bridge as a working heritage bridge. Could the Brooklyn Bridge or the Sydney Harbour Bridge be built better now? Undoubtedly, but at what cost and at what larger economic and cultural expense?