The Shibble Walking Bridge reopened to the public on Saturday after Dubbo Regional Council temporarily closed the structure earlier in the day due to overnight vandalism.

Council staff inspected the damage early on Saturday morning and initially closed the bridge to allow a safety assessment. The incident also forced the closure of the adjoining walking path between Dundullimal Homestead and Macquarie Street.

In an update issued later in the day, Council confirmed the bridge is now safe for community use. “Please be advised the Shibble Walking Bridge is now open and safe to use,” the statement said.

While the bridge has been deemed structurally sound, further works are scheduled for early next week to repair broken barriers damaged during the vandalism.

The Yabang Gee Bridge at the end of Tamworth Street was unaffected by the incident and remains open to pedestrians.