A review of environmental factors (REF) was displayed in Moulamein, Barham and Murray Downs between 17 July and 14 August 2017. Please view or download the REF report and appendices from the project documents section below.

No submissions were received to the REF, which assessed the likely impacts of the proposal on the environmental and detailed the protective measures to be implemented.

A photographic archival recording was carried out to preserve images of the old Gee Gee Bridge that played a significant role in the expansion of the NSW road network and state economy over the last century.

Photographic archival recordings capture heritage structures through a detailed report, including original specifications and a catalogue of photos, so future generations can have a glimpse of the past.

While the old bridge couldn’t keep up with modern day transport needs, we have ensured it will be remembered. Copies of the photographic archival recording are available from Heritage NSW and Murray River Council library.

View or download a copy of the Gee Gee Bridge Photographic Archival Report (PDF, 34Mb).

The old Gee Gee Bridge was built in 1929. It was a Dare type timber truss bridge and is listed on the State Heritage Register. The bridge had a single traffic lane and vehicles give way to oncoming traffic.

The bridge was identified for replacement under the Timber Truss Bridge Strategy, which was endorsed by the Heritage Council of NSW in August 2012.

Key features of the project included:

• a new two-lane concrete bridge across the Wakool River and floodplain, 15 to 20 metres downstream (north) of the old Gee Gee Bridge and flood relief bridge. The bridge would have a length of about 245 metres
• realigning about 1.4 kilometres of Noorong Road
• demolishing and removing the old Gee Gee Bridge and flood relief bridge.

Noorong Road links Deniliquin in NSW and Swan Hill in Victoria, and has been identified as a strategic freight route in NSW. It is also an alternative freight route between Wagga Wagga in NSW and Swan Hill.

The old Gee Gee Bridge and flood relief bridge restricted traffic because they did not meet current road design standards.

The old bridges:

• were narrow, with one lane, and vehicles must give way to oncoming traffic
• were not suitable for higher mass limit vehicles (HML) or oversized vehicles
• could not be upgraded to meet the future operational needs of Noorong Road

The proposal was required to meet current road design standards, remove traffic restrictions and improve road safety.