Built in 1927 and closed since 2017, Port Augusta’s Greater Western Bridge is now in the process of being decommissioned.
The iconic structure was found to be unsafe due to significant deterioration of piles and deck planks, and the removal is expected to be complete in late 2024.
Port Augusta Mayor Linley Shine says the Council are now working on preserving the bridge’s memory by collecting photos and stories from the community.
“Nobody really wants to see this go and it’s unfortunate that it’s come to this, but we must move on now, and so coming together as a community’s going to be really important, Mayor Shine says.
“As Council, we’re really keen to try and keep the memories intact, and obviously do something respectful for the community.”
Memories are due by 16 June, but there haven’t been many submissions yet.
“We’ve had so many people who have talked about the importance of history and everyone is quite sad about this bridge being decommissioned, and yet the numbers of pieces of information that’s coming through is certainly not reflecting that.
“The reality is, June’s not that far away, so I really do encourage people to be really thinking about what they’d like to contribute.”
In addition to community contributions – which can be submitted to the Public Library, Civic Centre or online – the Council had Beardy Photography and Videography capture the bridge before its decommissioning.
You can download the free photos here.
