Despite the Dido Street bridge over Spring Creek having flooded a number of times in recent weeks, concerned residents will have to wait some time before a replacement bridge will be built.

Kiama Council has allocated funding in the Draft 2022/23 budget to start a design.

“The site of the current bridge and the adjacent low-lying area along Jamberoo Road is complex so planning, designs and approvals will take some time to develop,” says Director Engineering and Works, Mike Dowd.

“Once we have the right design, we will then need to seek assistance from the NSW or Australian governments to assist Council to fund construction of the new bridge, intended to provide flood-resistant access.

“An important part of this process will be consulting local residents, other community members and visitors who use the bridge to access their properties and the Spring Creek wetlands.”

With many living in the estate as well as a local business operating there, locals are worried someone will get stranded or hurt.

“It is my major concern that somebody will be hurt or worse,” says Darcy Moore, who has lived in Glenbrook Drive off Dido Street with his family since 2006.

“It’s been a known issue for a very long time and now the frequency has increased so much.

“The context is different because there is now a day care centre which adds to the traffic across the bridge.”

Owner and Director of Dido Street Early Learning Centre, Kate McNaughton, who has 90 plus families using her service, also feels the bridge is well in need of repair. One day in the last month, children were sent home early. 

“I’ve had families and staff risk their cars because they’re wanting to open the Centre or they need to drop off their children and at times the water has been at such dangerous levels, it could have written their cars off,” she says. 

“It’s quite a busy neighbourhood now especially with our service being here.

“We’re very relied upon by the local community, so they can go to work, and if they can’t cross that bridge there’s a massive ripple effect.

“I have found it very stressful and the operation of the business has been affected dramatically.”

Council advises motorists to use caution, especially in low-lying areas, where rising water levels cover sections of local roads. 

Residents and visitors are encouraged to refer to the local Disaster Dashboard for updates on local roads and highways, as well as flood and storm warnings, power outages and beach conditions.

For updates on roads, floods and storm warnings, power outages and beach conditions, visit: emergency.kiama.nsw.gov.au