Fresh questions are being raised over the controversial Iron Gates development at Evans Head after opponents claimed recent work on the ageing access bridge does not satisfy conditions imposed by the Land & Environment Court.
The Court approved the 121-lot development in July 2024, overturning an earlier refusal by the Northern Regional Planning Panel. The approval came with 62 pages of conditions, including requirements around the Doolan Deck bridge on Iron Gates Drive, which will need to carry thousands of truck movements bringing fill onto the flood-prone site.
An engineering assessment previously reported by The Echo found the 30-year-old bridge was in ‘moderate to poor’ condition, with extensive cracking, and could not safely accommodate two lanes of 44-tonne loads. The Court condition required assessment against a substantially higher loading standard.
The latest release from Evans Head Residents for Sustainable Development says steel plates have now been bolted across the bridge as a temporary strengthening measure, with traffic to be restricted to one vehicle at a time, travelling below 10km/h and carrying no more than 44 tonnes.
Spokesperson Dr Richard Gates said the group remained concerned about who had authorised the work and who ultimately carried responsibility for the bridge.
‘How can you give consent for something you haven’t accepted responsibility for?’ the group said.
The group also raised concerns about construction-site fencing and signage, saying the area had remained accessible while work vehicles and equipment were on the bridge.
Iron Gates has been fought over for decades, with the site’s flood and bushfire risks, access arrangements and environmental impacts repeatedly at the centre of community opposition.
Richmond Valley Council opposed the development in court but is now responsible for overseeing compliance with the consent conditions.
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