Four years after the floods tore it apart, Casino has its bridge back, and then some.
A brand new $3.5 million suspension bridge spanning the Richmond River opened on Saturday, replacing the old footbridge that was damaged in the catastrophic 2022 floods and had repeatedly been knocked out of action by the town’s heavy seasonal river flows in previous years.
The new structure is bigger, stronger, and built to last. The span between its two towers stretches 55 metres. The full length, including raised approaches on both banks, runs to 160 metres. At its highest point, the bridge deck sits 19 metres above the Richmond River, lifting it well clear of the floodwaters that ended its predecessor.
For Casino residents, it is more than a river crossing. The bridge reconnects South Casino to Queen Elizabeth Park, the town’s main sporting fields, riverside walking paths, and the CBD, a link that has been broken or unreliable for years.
Richmond Valley Council Mayor Robert Mustow said the community had been waiting a long time for this moment.
“I know many locals have been eagerly waiting for this day. The old footbridge has been part of Casino’s story for generations, and I have no doubt this new bridge will create its own memories for families, sporting groups, visitors and residents for many years to come.”
“This bridge is much more than a river crossing. It was identified in the Casino Place Plan as a key connection between our CBD, South Casino, sporting precincts and riverside spaces. It will play an important role in delivering the vision of the Casino CBD Masterplan by helping create a more connected and vibrant town centre.”
NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin said the bridge was a symbol of the region’s recovery.
“This spectacular new suspension bridge is a great example of what it means to build back better.
“By improving access between the Casino CBD and our beautiful parks, we’re creating safer, more inclusive spaces for people to walk, cycle and connect.”
“Casino has a unique history, and this bridge will help this community to better withstand future floods, stay connected during challenging times, but, more importantly, allow residents and visitors alike to better enjoy what this town has to offer.”
The bridge was jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements and was delivered by Richmond Valley Council. Outdoor structure specialist FORGE built the project.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the bridge re-established a vital link for the community.
“This new suspension bridge is more resilient to future flooding events and re-establishes a vital community connection to the Casino CBD.
“The Albanese Government is working alongside the NSW Government and Richmond Valley Council to help the region build back better following the devastating 2022 floods.”
Social media excerpt: Four years after the floods tore it down, Casino has a brand new suspension bridge, and it is built to take whatever the Richmond River throws at it.
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