The proposal has caused some debate around the Guardian office, with most staff arguing for a new wooden low level bridge and a very small minority arguing for an upgraded concrete bridge.

Those who argue for a constantly repaired wooden bridge bring up nostalgic memories of swimming, fishing and floating the Lachlan arguing any change would never feel right.

They believe a new concrete bridge would prevent any of those activities continuing into the future.

Perhaps they look at the bridge through a pair of rose-coloured glasses, their nostalgia should not stifle the future.

Let’s look at the obvious reason a replacement should be considered.

In the past few years there have been two major sets of repairs carried out on the bridge which will no doubt continue moving roward if the bridge isn’t replaced.

While I admit a concrete bridge will need it’s own maintenance, the replacement bridge’s repairs, if any, will be a lot further off than the five year life span currently placed on the existing bridge.

A concrete replacement bridge will not undo any current childhood memories and if bigger with a walkway and cycleway would allow those activities to continue into the future in a safer environment.

As a native of Queanbeyan I have many a similar memories of my childhood with my town’s concrete dual lane pedestrian accessible low level bridge and often see similar memories being made by today’s youth when I return to visit.

With a replacement still only in the reporting stage, panic about losing one’s childhood should sett in.

With whats to come still a blank canvas those who wish to see a continuation of those activities can take this time to let council know how important it is to include those options for any that wish to ride, walk, fish or float along or in what is some of the most beautiful riverbank I’ve seen.

We always see what we’ve grown up with as being the best way, but if we fail to put aside our memories we may prevent those in the future from making some equally important ones.

Concrete bridge enthusiast,

Matthew Chown