About this project
The Melaleuca Footbridge is an important pedestrian link over Woolgoolga Creek, forming part of the Lake Trail on the Woolgoolga Lake Walk Loop. Popular as a thoroughfare for locals, as well as for picnics, paddling, swimming and birdwatching, the area attracts both locals and visitors year-round.
The City of Coffs Harbour needed to replace the ageing and deteriorated timber bridge with a wider, safer and more durable composite Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) structure. Although the new bridge was prefabricated, it remained unused for some time due to environmental and planning approval constraints. To move the project forward, GeoLINK was engaged to provide a clear and workable environmental planning approvals pathway and deliver the required environmental assessment.
GeoLINK’s provides advice and guidance
Our primary roles were to provide planning pathway advice and undertake the required environmental assessment, guiding the City and closely collaborating with BK Engineering Consulting Solutions (responsible for the design).
GeoLINK reviewed the planning framework and:
- Confirmed the project could proceed as routine maintenance (which includes replacement of an asset) under Division 17 of the Transport and Infrastructure SEPP, meaning the development was permitted without consent.
- Identified that a Review of Environmental Factors (REF) was the correct and acceptable assessment pathway.
- Clarified requirements for works within mapped Coastal Wetlands (including maintaining the same alignment and validating that any adverse effect on the land concerned is restricted to the minimum possible to allow the works to be carried out) and within a key fish habitat and Habitat Protection Zone of the Solitary Islands Marine Park.
We also delivered a comprehensive REF that considered:
- Biodiversity impacts including vegetation, fauna habitat, and protection of mangroves.
- Aquatic ecology (with specialist advice and assessment provided by Aquatic Science and Management) addressing potential impacts on key fish habitat and marine vegetation.
- Cultural heritage through an Aboriginal Due Diligence assessment prepared by Heritage Management and Planning.
- Noise and vibration assessment prepared by SoundIN, particularly for nearby residents and the seasonal flying-fox colony located in the surrounds.
- Construction impacts such as access, site disturbance and water quality.
GeoLINK coordinated multiple parties involved in the project and ensured technical investigations were consolidated into a clear, practical assessment.
Key challenges and GeoLINK’s appproach
Long-standing approval uncertainties had delayed the bridge’s installation. GeoLINK clarified the approval process, addressed ambiguity, and prepared the necessary documentation to enable the client to confidently progress the works. Two key factors required careful consideration:
- Sensitive environmental setting
The bridge footprint extended into mapped Coastal Wetlands and high-value aquatic habitat. GeoLINK confirmed the development without consent pathway was statutorily acceptable, provided advice to ensure the work remained consistent with associated requirements, and undertook detailed ecological and aquatic assessments to ensure impacts were minimised.The construction methodology was refined to use the existing alignment, including installation of directly adjacent piles, and limit disturbance, including targeted vegetation pruning, protecting mangroves, and the use of rock bags for temporary access.
- Marine Park and Fisheries Requirements
As the waterway forms part of the Solitary Islands Marine Park and key fish habitat, GeoLINK and Aquatic Science and Management provided guidance on the necessary steps and undertook impact mapping and risk assessments to support the approvals process.
Positive outcomes for the client and community
Through sound planning advice, thorough assessment, and practical mitigation measures, GeoLINK helped the City of Coffs Harbour by:
- Securing approvals for a safer, more accessible link for walkers, cyclists and mobility scooter users in a timely and cost-effective manner.
- Achieving approvals with minimal environmental impact, supported by comprehensive safeguards, while retaining surrounding mangroves and protecting Coastal Wetland biophysical features and aquatic habitat.
- Installing a microbat roost box on the new bridge as an environmental enhancement.
The footbridge over Woolgoolga Creek opened
The community has warmly welcomed the completed bridge and now provides a future-proofed asset for the Woolgoolga area. GeoLINK guided the approval process and completed the associated REF, ensuring regulatory obligations and the project’s environmental responsibilities were met.
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