Council aims to speed up road and bridge repair

MIDCOAST Council has endorsed a streamlined approach to contracting out flood repair works.

Attempting to speed up the process of repairing roads and bridges, councillors at Council’s 25 February meeting voted unanimously to endorse a new procurement approach for the delivery of Essential Public Asset Reconstruction Works (EPA-RW), including the use of existing Council contractor panels for suitable low‑risk works.

Fifty-six EPA-RW packages have been identified from the May 2025 flood event.

The combined value of these works is estimated at around $204 million, with The Bight Bridge representing the largest single project at approximately $35 million.

Council has additionally spent more than $40 million on Emergency and Immediate Reconstruction Works, and has been reimbursed $6.1 million so far under Disaster Recovery Funding.

“While Council can claim all eligible costs, the timing of reimbursements is currently impacting Council’s cash flow and may affect future budget allocations,” Council said in a statement.

Director of Infrastructure and Engineering Services, Rob Scott said that Council needs to receive funding approval from the NSW Reconstruction Authority for each of the proposed Essential Public Asset Restoration projects before work can begin.

“Meanwhile, we’re getting ready to ensure the work can take place as rapidly and efficiently as possible once that funding is approved,” said Mr Scott.

“With so much to do, Council will need to use a number of different contractors.

“For low-risk works, we will use our existing panel contract to run select tenders for packages of work.

“This will save on costs and get workers on the ground sooner.

“We’ll avoid duplicating the same standard contract and cut down on administrative processes.”

Council says its existing panel contract already has a long list of contractors with “proven capabilities, capacity and appropriate contractual terms”.

A simplified tender process will still apply, with the Reconstruction Authority also weighing in on contract decisions.

More complex projects, including major bridge reconstructions like The Bight Bridge, will be put out to open tender.

Council says the approach aims to balance risk, governance and efficiency, while maintaining compliance with legal requirements and Council’s risk management framework.

A wide variety of recovery projects are still needed, including reconstruction or repairs to bridges, landslips, drainage, culverts, sealed and unsealed roads.