Funding secured for Moonee Beach footbridge construction

The NSW Government will fund construction of a new Moonee Beach footbridge, delivering a boon for locals and tourists by restoring access to a treasured part of the Coffs Coast.

Construction funding will be provided by Crown Lands, part of the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, with a development application due to be submitted to the City of Coffs Harbour Council in June this year.

A tender will be issued for construction works following completion of the DA process. Construction of the footbridge will begin in June 2027, pending approvals and the procurement of a construction contractor.

The construction commitment follows the appointment of Coffs Harbour company BK. Engineering Consulting Solutions in December to design the new footbridge due to its expertise in bridge building and maintenance and experience servicing regional areas.

The Moonee Beach footbridge provides access over Sugar Mill Creek, a Crown waterway, connecting Coffs Coast Regional Park and Green Bluff to Crown land managed by Reflections Holidays.

The former footbridge served for years as a link in the 60 km Solitary Islands coastal walk but had become dilapidated over decades of use and was closed in November 2022 as a public safety risk. An engineer’s assessment confirmed the footbridge was unstable and repairs were not feasible, so it was removed in June 2025.

Crown Lands previously provided $350,000 for Stage 1 of the footbridge redevelopment project, which includes the bridge design and planning approvals. An additional $100,000 for Stage 1 has been committed by the City of Coffs Harbour Council on behalf of the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust, as well as $50,000 from Reflections Holidays.

Minister for Lands and Property Steve Kamper said:

“The NSW Government is proud to support the construction of a brand-new Moonee Beach footbridge to restore safe and reliable access for locals and visitors to the beaches, headlands and trails they love in this area.

“By backing this project we are supporting local tourism and the thousands of visitors who come to experience the Coffs Coast each year.”

Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:

"The Moonee Beach footbridge, in Coffs, has always been more than just a crossing, it’s a vital part of how locals and visitors experience this beautiful stretch of our coastline.

“We know how much the community has missed this link, and I’m pleased the NSW Government is stepping up to ensure it is rebuilt for everyone to enjoy safely once again."

Labor spokesperson for Coffs Harbour Cameron Murphy MLC said:

“I’m so pleased that the NSW Government is funding construction of the new Moonee Beach footbridge.

“This will improve amenity for locals and tourists alike and is a great win for the Coffs Coast community.”