THE loss of Howards Bridge has isolated residents, put their stock at risk and left some considering relocating to Bathurst immediately.
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It was a week ago that the bridge was destroyed after a torrent of water washed the timber deck away, leaving only the concrete piers behind.
The only option people have had to leave is via Box Ridge Road, a dangerous pathway that will take them back to Bathurst while taking a toll on their vehicles.
Farmer Warwick Gordon made the choice this week to stay home from work due to the rough terrain and long travel time, it taking him almost an hour and half to get to work in Bathurst on Monday morning.
Not only that, but he’s now facing uncertainty over keeping his 2000 sheep and 80 cows alive.
“We have some feed that we have in stock, but when that runs out, I just don’t know what we’re going to do,”he said.
Mr Gordon has been liaising with Bathurst Regional Council about restoring access to over the Winburndale Rivulet, but said they “seriously just don’t understand” the severity of the situation.
Mayor Graeme Hanger said earlier this week that the bridge would be replaced, but it would take time to get the relevant approvals and find the money for it.
Mr Gordon has asked for a causeway to be constructed so residents can get over the river safely and get enough feed for their stock until the bridge can be replaced.
If one isn’t put in soon, it will be the last straw for his family.
“We’re going to give them until this time next week; if they can’t put a causeway in then we’ll move to Bathurst,” Mr Gordon said.
If that were the case, he would then need to travel back to his property regularly to feed his animals.
On top of the access issue, there is also a lack of water and he expects he'll need to fully feed his stock within three to four weeks if there is no significant rain.
“We had two millimetres of rain out of that rain event,” Mr Gordon said. “We’ve just survived the drought and now we’re back in drought.”
Mr Gordon was also concerned about what would happen if there was a bushfire, as it would take hours for emergency vehicles to arrive.
Councillor Ian North, who has been going into bat for residents, said council was looking into every option to restore access.
“We’re throwing all the options on the table. Nothing is a silly option,” he said.
He encouraged residents to keep in contact with council as no one knew the situation better than them.
“No one knows better the situation than the residents who are out there,” Cr North said.
“So please keep in contact with council staff and councillors; we are happy to pass on any messages.
“They might have some ideas that we haven’t thought of.”
On Thursday, council said it was looking for a solution that would create a more direct route for residents while planning and funding was sought to replace the bridge.
Mayor Graeme Hanger said council was speaking with relevant government departments and organisations, including Fisheries and the Office of Water, to determine what council could do on site prior to the construction of a new bridge.
A causeway and temporary bridge are among the options being considered.
Cr Hanger said it would sadly take weeks for “a clear answer” on any temporary measures council can proceed with.
“Council will seek funding from the federal and state governments’ disaster assistance programs for the bridge works if the event is declared a disaster. We are still waiting advice on this declaration,” he said.
