A Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) spokesperson announced Kempsey Bridge as the preferred option. 

It was also announced that other key highway infrastructure was also being considered for naming, including the southern interchange being named the 'Slim Dusty Interchange'.

“The name was determined after recent community feedback carried out by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) as part of the Kempsey bypass Pacific Highway upgrade,” the spokesperson said. 

“Public feedback on the naming options was significant, with nearly 900 written and online submissions and around 70 names suggested. 

Check out photos from the open day earlier this year

“The feedback showed there were strong and diverse suggestions each with individual local significance, which made short listing the options a challenge.

“Many of the names suggested were a tribute to the unique aspects of this diverse community – from traditional owners of the land, to pioneers of the region and the region’s natural landscape.

“As several names received significant public support, there was no clear naming preference among the community.

“To accommodate the preferences of different community groups, other key project infrastructure such as interchanges and nearby rest areas are now being considered for naming. 

“This includes the southern interchange of the new bypass being named The Slim Dusty Interchange, the installation of information panels at the northern and southern rest areas to commemorate the Aboriginal heritage of the area as well as “Welcome to Dunghutti Country” signs planned for the new bypass. 

“RMS will also continue to work with Kempsey Shire Council to identify other naming opportunities along the old Pacific Highway to commemorate other notable or historic individuals from the local area such as Francis Clarke and the Robinson brothers,” the spokesperson said. 

RMS encourages the community to continue its involvement and be a part of the naming process. 

The final naming decision on the bridge and other project infrastructure will be made by the end of June, after consideration of all community feedback throughout the naming process. 

The naming strategy and community submissions report can be viewed and feedback submitted online at www.rms.nsw.gov.au/pacific or can be found at the community display centre at 247 Old Station Road Verges Creek and mailed to PO Box 546 Grafton NSW 2460.