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Waverley Council Delays Bondi Footbridge Decision, Orders Report After Public Meeting

Heritage rules, engineering pressures and broad consultation set a slower timetable for a final call.

Overview

  • Councillors unanimously sought a report detailing costs, timelines and approvals for replacing or restoring one or both pedestrian bridges, with a decision not expected until mid‑year.
  • Interim commemorations approved: a temporary menorah installed at Archer Park, Bondi Sea Wall panels reserved for memorial artworks over the next 12 months, recognition events for first responders.
  • The council pledged consultation with victims' families, the NSW government, Jewish representatives, local residents before any decision.
  • A 2024 engineering report found both heritage‑listed bridges were nearing end‑of‑life, requiring replacement within years, which complicates any immediate move.
  • NSW Premier Chris Minns expressed a personal preference to remove the bridge to avoid a "ghoulish reminder," while deferring to families for the final say.