Next steps for Moonee Beach footbridge
The Minns Labor Government will partner with the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust and Reflections Holidays to collectively fund $500,000 to undertake detailed design work and obtain planning approvals on a replacement pedestrian bridge at Moonee Beach.
Crown Lands will contribute $350,000, the Coffs Coast Regional Park Trust – representing City of Coffs Harbour and the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) – will contribute $100,000, and Reflections Holidays will spend $50,000 for Stage 1 of the bridge replacement project.
Work will commence during the 2025/26 financial year to finalise a design for the new bridge and undertake work to secure environmental and planning approvals, with a development application to be lodged with the City of Coffs.
Stage 2 construction of a replacement bridge will take place in the 2026/27 financial year, subject to funding availability.
The Moonee Beach footbridge provides access over Sugar Mill Creek (a Crown waterway) between Coffs Coast Regional Park (managed by NPWS) and the Green Bluff headland (managed by Reflections Holidays). The bridge also provides a link in the 60km Solitary Islands coastal walk, which is a major tourist attraction for the Coffs coast area.
The dilapidated bridge was closed in November 2022 due to public safety concerns after an engineering assessment revealed the wooden piers had eroded and the bridge was unstable, with its condition later worsening following rain and large tides.
The dilapidated bridge was removed in June 2025 following approval of a development application by the City of Coffs the month prior.
Minister for Lands, Property and Tourism Steve Kamper said:
“It’s great to see this cooperative effort by the Minns Labor Government, the City of Coffs Harbour Council and Reflections Holidays to chart a positive way forward for a replacement footbridge at Moonee Beach.
“The finalisation of a preferred bridge design and obtaining of planning approvals will be the vital next steps toward restoring access through this significant area to support local recreation and regional tourism.”
Minister for the North Coast Janelle Saffin said:
“The Moonee Beach footbridge provides essential access across Sugar Mill Creek between Moonee Beach and Sapphire Beach, linking to Coffs Coast Regional Park and Solitary Islands Coastal Walk.
“The reinstatement of a new bridge is building back better and providing a missing link to this popular recreational walking trail for residents and visitors alike.
“Landcare groups will be able to continue their conservation work as well as ensure protection of sensitive Aboriginal cultural heritage sites in the area.”
City of Coffs Harbour Mayor Nikki Williams said:
“Progress to re-establish this important accessway will assure the local community and I am thankful that Minister Kamper is very much onboard with the need to build a new Moonee Beach footbridge.
“I would also like to thank the Coffs Coast Regional Trust Board for their contribution to this important community and tourism infrastructure.”
Reflections CEO Nick Baker said:
"The Moonee Bridge is a much-loved attraction for visitors to the region as well as guests at Reflections Moonee Beach and we are excited to be working towards its replacement."