Emma Pritchard|
While many refer to it as the better-late-than-never bridge, or simply, the new Grafton bridge, the official name of the second river crossing in Grafton is expected to be announced in the next few months.
And several Clarence Valley residents are already trying to guess what the name will be.
Tegan Wallace, 8, from Yamba thinks the bridge will be named the Big River Bridge, while her older sister Aaliyah, 15, said the Jacaranda City Bridge would be a more historical name.
“Everyone knows Grafton as the Jacaranda City, so I’ve always thought that would be a nice name for our new bridge,” she said.
“But my sister thinks Big River Bridge would be better because she says the Clarence River is so big.”
Their father Mitchell Davies refused to take sides, instead, opting for his own choice.
“I reckon the bridge should be called the Shirley Adams Bridge after one of our former mayors who put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into her local community, so it would be a formal way to remember the contributions she made,” he said.
“I know it’s been one of the more popular suggestions, but I guess we’ll just see when the announcement is made, whenever that might be.”
Following community consultation via online submission last year, where residents and local stakeholders were invited to nominate their preferred choices, Transport for NSW is continuing to consult with local Aboriginal groups to ensure suggested names have their support.
A Transport for NSW spokesperson said once this endorsement is provided, Clarence Valley Council (CVC) will review the consultation summary report and suggested names against the bridge naming criteria as recommended by the NSW Geographical Names Board.
“Council can suggest using an Aboriginal name, and a European name before recommending them to Transport for NSW for approval,” the spokesperson said.
“Transport for NSW will then review the recommended name or names against the guidelines for the determination of place names.
“If the recommended selections meet the criteria and comply with Transport for NSW signage standards, the name or names will then be approved.”
The spokesperson revealed Transport for NSW and CVC expect to announce the approved bridge name or names later this year.