OPINION: Although its arch is an iconic image of Australia, it’s a mistake to think the bridge reflected a golden era where politicians were visionary.
As Sydneysiders celebrate the 90th Anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge this weekend, we do so with gratitude for the fantastic benefits of our ‘coat hanger’ in Sydney and Australia. However, let’s also reflect on what we need to do to ensure those living in 2112 – just 90 years from now - might show a similar level of gratitude for our stewardship today.What is intriguing about the Sydney Harbour Bridge is its immense size.
Its grand arches have defined iconic images of Australia and created a much stronger sense of place and national pride. We are celebrating the alchemy of cities through the bridge in lifting our living standards and productivity that flow across the nation.golden era where politicians were visionary and the community trusted. Instead, there was a prolonged incubation - it took 107 years to start construction finally.
When it was opened in 1932, there were only 23,000 vehicles registered in NSW. The bridge could take 20,000 of them per hour.Despite mounting pressures, severe outbreaks of disease, congestion and shortages of water and land in the colony - delays and indecision persisted about a possible solution. Accessing land on the north shore was paramount, but community concerns about toll gouging on a proposed bridge by private investors were widespread.
We should celebrate the achievement of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and those that made it happen. However, while megaprojects are the weapon of choice today to tackle our challenges, we should better acknowledge their many limitations. While Sydney Metro has the potential to be a great legacy to the future, the size and complexity of our challenges demand unrelenting transparency, leadership, and accountability to the community. There is so much more to do, but happy 90th to our icon for now.