New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River (under consideration for amendment)

Item details


Name of item:	New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River (under consideration for amendment)
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Transport - Land
Category:	Road Bridge
Location:	Lat: -36.9587585487 Long: 149.5617130930
Primary address:	New Buildings Road, Wyndham, NSW 2550
Local govt. area:	Bega Valley
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Eden

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
New Buildings Road	Wyndham	Bega Valley			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Transport for NSW	State Government

Statement of significance:


	New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River (New Buildings Bridge) is of State significance for its associative and technical values. It is a Dare truss bridge designed and built as part of the Public Works Department program to deliver technologically advanced and cost-effective standardised timber road bridges across NSW from the mid-1850s until the mid-1930s. The innovative design used less timber than its predecessors and involved the use of interchangeable timber members for ease of replacement. New Buildings Bridge was constructed with materials reclaimed from the earlier bridge in the area, which further increased its cost efficiency. In addition to this, New Buildings Bridge was built to withstand submersion in flood waters with minimal structural damage. As a Dare timber truss bridge, New Buildings Bridge has State significance for its association with Henry Harvey Dare who contributed significantly to the evolution of bridge engineering and infrastructural development in NSW. Dare was an accomplished engineer who both improved on previous bridge designs and led the development of innovative and technically complex bridge designs. He was involved in numerous significant infrastructure projects, held several high positions of public office and is internationally recognised for his work.
	Date significance updated: 30 Apr 26
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Henry Harvey Dare
Construction years:	1921-1921
Physical description:	New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River (New Buildings Bridge) is a work, consisting of a timber truss road bridge and associated setting. It spans the Towamba River connecting New Buildings Road to Big Jack Mountain Road. New Buildings Bridge is a standard Dare type timber truss road bridge with an overall length of 101 metres. The bridge has a minimum road width of 4.6 metres between kerbs, accommodating a single lane of traffic. The work comprises three Dare timber truss spans, each 28.3 metres long, and two timber girder approach spans at the western end, measuring 8.5 metres and 7.5 metres respectively. The two bridge abutments are of a standard design, comprising vertical timber piles sheeted with horizontal timbers and timber headstocks. The abutments support the truss spans and retain the fill material of the embankments. Four standard design timber piers support the truss spans and consist of timber cross bracing, timber headstocks and lower waler. Piers 2, 3 and 4 have typical driven timber piles, while Pier 1 is on a concrete sill on a river rock. The concrete sill was part of the Bennett type bridge originally built in this location. The three trusses have steel channel bottom chords (horizontal member which forms the top and bottom edges of the truss (Britannica, n.d.)), and timber top chords typical of the Dare design. A series of diagonal double timber members run from top chord to bottom chord. In the centre panel, an additional single timber diagonal intersects the double timber diagonal, forming an X. The upper ends of the diagonals connect to the top chord in cast iron shoes while the lower ends are braced against steel connection brackets that are bolted to the bottom chord. Vertical steel rods (hangers) which provide tension to the timber truss are supported on the top chord by a steel washer plate. These rods pass through the double timber diagonals and spaced steel channels of the bottom chord and are secured to a steel washer plate riveted to the underside of the bottom chord. The internal timber cross girders, which allowed slide-out/slide-in replacement, are supported directly on the bottom chord. The decking is bolted to square section longitudinal timber girders (stringers) that are supported on the cross girders. The deck consists of transverse decking with a thickness of 125 mm, which is slightly thicker than the original 100 mm timbers. The layout of the transverse decking differs from the original configuration, as the sheets are spaced several centimeters apart rather than being tight against each other. The transverse decking supports 50 mm thick longitudinal sheeting over which a thin layer of bitumen has been applied. The layer of bitumen is a later addition to increase load capacity. The bridge is fitted with traditional timber ordinance style railings in the approaches and across the bridge. The listing includes the setting associated with the bridge including the banks and main channel of the Towamba River and small sections of approach to the bridge.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Truss and approach spans in excellent condition. One pier in poor condition on the western end being held up by temporary steel beams.
	Date condition updated:06 Mar 26


Current use:	Road bridge
Former use:	Aboriginal land and water

History

Historical notes:

Statement of Country
New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River (New Buildings Bridge) is located on the border of Bidwell, Yuin and Ngarigo country (AIATSIS 1996).

Timber truss road bridges in NSW and the Dare truss
Timber truss road bridges played a significant role in the expansion of the NSW road network, with over 400 built between 1856 and 1936. The Dare timber truss bridge, designed by Henry Harvey Dare, is one of five types of timber truss bridges built in NSW during this time. A total of 40 Dare truss bridges were constructed, representing a key phase in the evolution of bridge engineering and the development of regional transport infrastructure in the state.

The bridges were very important in opening transport routes throughout the state, particularly for economic and industrial purposes. They reflect the ingenuity of their designers and can be divided into five key design phases, reflecting technological improvements and resource availability. These are the Bennett (1858 to 1886), McDonald (1886 to 1893), Allan (1893 to 1929), DeBurgh (1900 to 1905) and Dare (1905 to 1936).

Earlier timber truss bridges, designed between the 1850s and 1880s, made use of the vast resource of large, strong and durable NSW hardwoods. Following a parliamentary decree in 1861, the Public Works Department (PWD) was required to use local materials wherever possible in order to keep costs low for the PWD. However, in the late 19th century much of the local timber was exported, to the point where earlier types of timber truss bridges which used substantial amounts of this timber could no longer be built. Bridge designs were required to evolve, either using less timber, or utilizing more iron or steel which was becoming readily available following the establishment of the Newcastle steel works in the early 20th century.

The Dare truss was designed to combine the best aspects from the De Burgh and Allan trusses while avoiding the primary problems with each. The Dare truss has the simplest geometry, used less timber and allows the easiest replacement of individual timbers of any of the five truss types (Timber Truss Bridges, n.d.). Notable design upgrades from the Allan truss type include replacing the bottom timber chord with a steel one to increase the structural consistency of the bridge. The combined design upgrades resulted in Dare truss bridges using less timber than their predecessors and demonstrates the technical response to the changes in the availability of local timber resources.

Henry Harvey Dare
Henry Harvey Dare was born at Goulburn in 1867. He graduated from the University of Sydney in 1888 and obtained a Master of Engineering in 1894, becoming the first student to obtain the double degree each with gold university medals (The Sydney Morning Herald, 1935, 5). He first started his public service in the Roads and Bridges Branch of the PWD in 1888, working under Chief Engineers Allan and de Burgh. When the drawing offices for all three PWD engineering branches were amalgamated in 1898 Dare was put in charge of the draftsmen producing Pyrmont Bridge (SHR 01618) and Glebe Island Bridge (SHR 01914). Dare’s engineering background informed complex and innovative designs, including several iterations of bascule bridges and culminating in works such as Carrathool Bridge over Murrumbidgee River (SHR 01460). In 1903 Dare took charge of road bridge design for NSW and developed the Dare.

Dare's career involved not only road bridges, but also water and harbour works. He was Chief Engineer for the State's new Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission in 1913, and then Commissioner from 1916 until his retirement in 1935. His involvement in major dam and irrigation infrastructure projects including the Burrinjuck Dam (listed on the SHR as Burrinjuck Dam - SHR 00958, Burrinjuck Dam Site (Greater) - SHR 00959 and Burrinjuck Dam Site - Barren Jack Creek Water Supply Dam - SHR 00960), Murrumbidgee irrigation works including Carrathool Bridge over Murrumbidgee River (SHR 01460) and Wyangala Dam established him as a leading figure in engineering during this period. His role in establishing the Coomealla irrigation area was honoured in 1922 when its town was named 'Dareton'.

Dare was also the NSW representative on the River Murray Commission from 1917 to 1935, acted as a consultant for water-storage works in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Auckland, New Zealand, and served on expert committees for works carried out by the Metropolitan Water, Sewerage and Drainage Board of Sydney. He was awarded the Telford Premium Prize by the Institution of Civil Engineers, London in 1904 and in 1922 and the Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal in 1930 from The Institution of Engineers, Australia in 1930 for "a notable contribution to the Science and Practice of Engineering” (Sydney Morning Herald, 1922, 8).

Construction of New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River
The first Europeans to visit the Bega region were guided by Aboriginal people in 1842. Roads were designed to partially follow Aboriginal pathways, with road construction commencing in October 1843 to open the region to settlers. Alluvial gold was found in Yambulla (south west of Towamba), and led to the establishment of a township, despite the rapid decline in the availability of gold. The region had generally rich and fertile soil and, once cleared by the early settlers, the river flats and undulating hills attracted dairy farmers. Many families share-farmed properties that had large dairy herds, and the need for a bridge to transport these goods to the wider region arose.

A Bennett truss bridge was first constructed in 1884 at the location of the New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River. As population increased and use of the region for dairy farming and agriculture grew, an additional bridge (Dare truss type) was built in 1911 approximately 20 km downstream at Towamba. Both bridges were designed to provide crossings located above the level of the highest flood known at the time. However, flood waters in 1919 exceeded expected levels and both bridges were washed away.

In response to this, New Buildings Bridge was designed to sit at a lower flood level but to have the capacity to withstand heavy lateral pressure from high flows and be submerged during flooding without much damage (The Bombala Times, 1921). It was constructed in the Dare design, as that was the most cost effective and advanced timber truss bridge design at the time.

The change in design in this location to a Dare truss bridge enabled the reuse of certain truss timbers and considerable quantities of ironwork from the1911 Dare truss bridge, and special appliances were provided by the Public Works Department to treat and straighten the reused material (Legislative Assembly of New South Wales, 1920, 58). The current New Buildings Bridge is in the same location as the earlier 1884 Bennett truss bridge, with the concrete from the early bridge incorporated into the base of Pier 1. This method of construction resulted in a considerable saving on the cost of an entirely new structure, and the bridge was opened in January 1921.

Since 1921 numerous maintenance works have been undertaken on the bridge. A caretaker for the bridge was appointed in 1932 to prevent damage to the bridge, and regular reports to the district office were required. Like-for-like repairs were undertaken, including replacement of timber and metalwork, and although none of the original timber remains, the layout of the bridge has not changed from its original construction.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Transport-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Pastoralism-Activities associated with the breeding, raising, processing and distribution of livestock for human use	Servicing the pastoral industry-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences	Technologies of bridge building-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Bridging rivers-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements	Bridge - road-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Building Bridges-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working on public infrastructure projects-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing	Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities.	Public works-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River (New Buildings Bridge) is associated with Henry Harvey Dare, one of the foremost engineers in public infrastructure in NSW. Dare was appointed to the Public Works Department in 1888 and remained there until 1911, during which time he was in charge of the Engineering Drawing Office and was made responsible for road bridge design in 1903. As part of this role, he led the innovative development of the Dare timber truss bridge, which significantly improved existing standardised designs. His work also led to the development of new complex bridge designs, including several iterations of bascule (or lifting) bridges. Dare was subsequently made Chief Engineer for the State's new Water Conservation and Irrigation Commission in 1913, then Commissioner 1916 until his retirement in 1935.In this role, he had a substantial impact on public infrastructure across NSW including water irrigation, storage and harbour works. In recognition of his contribution, he was awarded the Telford Premium Prize by the Institution of Civil Engineers, London in 1904 and 1922, and the Peter Nicol Russell Memorial Medal in 1930 from the Institution of Engineers, Australia.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River (New Buildings Bridge) demonstrates a high level of technical achievement through its Dare truss design. This design was an evolution of the Allan truss, incorporating a simplified steel bottom chord and interchangeable timber members, which resulted in improved cost efficiency and a reduced reliance on timber. The Dare truss was the final stage of the timber truss bridge design in NSW, implemented as part of the NSW Public Works Department program to deliver technologically advanced standardised timber road bridges. The development of timber truss designs based on the use of Australian hardwoods was unique to NSW. A key design feature of the Dare timber truss is that individual timbers are easily replaceable, making maintenance and repairs easy and cost effective. The New Buildings Bridge exhibits further technical achievement, being specifically designed to be at relatively low elevation but capable of enduring high-level, high-volume flooding with minimal structural damage. This pragmatic solution contrasts with the previous approach in constructing bridges designed to remain above flood waters.
Integrity/Intactness:	Intact
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Produce a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01477	20 Jun 00	-	-
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Roads & Traffic s.170

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Austral Archaeology Pty Ltd	2002	New Buildings Bridge over Towamba River, Wyndham Conservation Management Plan
Written	Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies		Bidawal (S49)	View detail
Written	Australian National University	2008	Welcome to the Koori Coast	View detail
Written	Biosis Pty Ltd	2017	New Building Bridge, Wyndham NSW Statement of Heritage Impact
Written	Britannica		Truss Bridge	View detail
Written	Encyclopedia of Australian Science and Innovation		Dare, Henry Harvey (1867-1949)	View detail
Written	I. Berger, H. Healy, M. Tilley	2015	Movable Span Bridge Study	View detail
Written	Legislative Assembly of New South Wales	1920	Report of the Department of Public Works for the year ended 30 June 1920 together with plans, registration number 1920-486	View detail
Written	Lenore Coltheart, Amie Nicholas	2019	The timber truss bridge book	View detail
Written	MBK	1998	Study of Relative Heritage Significance of all Timber Truss Road Bridges in NSW. Wolume 1: Main report	View detail
Written	The Bombala Times	1921	A New Bridge	View detail
Written	The Daily Telegraph	1931	A life service in engineering	View detail
Written	The Murrumbidgee Irrigator	1994	Irrigation Personalities in Australia	View detail
Written	The Sydney Morning Herald	1935	Mr H. H. Dare's Retirement	View detail
Written	The Sydney Morning Herald	1922	Personal	View detail
Written	Tindale		Tribal Boundaries in Aboriginal Australia
Written	Tindale and Mathews	1908	Vocabulary of the Ngarrugu tribe, N.S.W.
Written	Transport for NSW	2021	Review of briges to be retained under the Timber Truss Bridge Conservation Strategy	View detail
Written	Transport for NSW		The Dare Truss	View detail
Written	Transport for NSW		New Buildings Bridge	View detail
Written	Victorian Aboriginal Corporation for Languages	2026	Bidawal	View detail

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5051381
File number:	EF14/4394

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