One of the final projects in the Fixing Country Bridges Program, Bluff Bridge, is now open to the public, providing a more flood‑resilient Orara Way for local residents.
Clarence Valley Mayor Ray Smith was joined by Gumbaynggirr Aunty Nita Taylor, Member of the Legislative Council Stephen Lawrence, Member for Clarence Richie Williamson, Clarence Valley Council General Manager Laura Black and Councillors Greg Clancy and Karen Toms at an official opening held on Wednesday 29 April 2026 to mark the exciting new infrastructure.
The new $15 million Bluff Bridge (jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments) spans nearly 100 metres and stands eight metres higher than the old timber bridge.
Sitting nearly 18 metres above the Orara River and measuring more than 11 metres wide, the new concrete bridge significantly improves safety for motorists, significantly reduces the time of inundation in flooding events and reduces the maintenance burden that the old bridge presented.
Mayor Smith praised the Fixing Country Bridges Program, emphasising the significant benefits the new bridge will bring to Glenreagh and surrounding communities that rely on this vital connection, particularly during flood events.
"The Fixing Country Bridges Program has delivered enormous value for the Clarence Valley," Mayor Smith said.
"Upgrading Bluff Bridge, which previously went underwater multiple times each year, along with 34 other bridges across the region, has greatly improved safety, resilience, and connectivity for our communities."
"I am honoured to officially open this important asset for our community alongside our Ministers."
Clarence Valley Council has received $46 million through the Fixing Country Bridges Program since it began in 2022. The project assists in the replacement of 35 timber structures with new concrete bridges that are far less susceptible to damage and provide a more resilient link to the communities that rely on them.
