The Narooma Bridge lift system has malfunctioned and won’t be repaired until the end of January, causing some inconvenience for larger vessels.
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Roads and Maritime Services identified an electrical fault with the Narooma Bridge lift system on Friday, January 12.
A RMS spokesperson said no bridge lifts would take place until a replacement part could be sourced and installed.
“It is expected repairs will be completed and the bridge lift span operating normally by the end of this month,” the spokesperson said. “Roads and Maritime has contacted local boat operators to inform them of the fault.
“The community will be kept informed as the repair work progresses and Roads and Maritime apologises for any inconvenience caused to river users.”
The broken bridge has thrown a spanner in the works and timetable of Narooma slipway operator Mal Baddeley who was to have Narooma charter boat Dallas up on the slipway for servicing this week.
Mr Baddeley said the Narooma Marine Rescue vessel would also be prevented from travelling under the Narooma Bridge to answer any distress calls on the inlet.
But fortunately the Narooma-based NSW Maritime vessel based at the Narooma Marina at Forsters Bay could respond to any inlet incidents and was also able to get out to sea under the Narooma Bridge by lowering its aerials.
Narooma Marine Rescue commander Paul Houseman said the unit’s jet skis could still respond to smaller jobs west of the bridge, but for any larger incidents, the unit would coordinate with Maritime boating safety officer.
The malfunction will also prevent at least one owner of a large game fishing boat moored in Wagonga Inlet getting to the Tollgate Island Classic Tournament this weekend and also the Bermagui Bluewater Classic tournament on the Australia Day long weekend.
Narooma Sport and Game Fishing Club president Les Waldock was notified of the malfunction by the RMS said fortunately only half a dozen or so larger game boats would be impacted on, as many could lower their fly bridges and aerials to get under the bridge.