Cassowary crossing at El Arish helps win industry excellence award for TMR

A contentious cassowary crossing and overtaking lane project south of Cairns which cost four times more than its original budget is among a number of Transport and Main Roads initiatives recognised for “industry excellence” at a recent conservation award ceremony.

The $40.7m fauna crossing and overtaking lane project was funded by the Australian Government under the Bruce Highway Overtaking Lane Program. Picture: Peter Carruthers

A contentious cassowary crossing and overtaking lane project south of Cairns which cost four times more than its original budget is among a number of Transport and Main Roads initiatives recognised for “industry excellence” at a recent conservation award ceremony.

State government-funded organisation Wet Tropics Management Authority awarded fellow public servants at Department of Transport and Main Roads with an Industry Excellence Award, for their work in protecting the endangered birds, at the 20th Cassowary Awards.

TMR’s initiatives for cassowary conservation on state-controlled roads were recognised, including the over-budget $40m fauna crossing and overtaking lane project at Smith’s Gap, near El Arish.

The completed $40.724m cassowary crossing over the Bruce Highway near El Arish. Picture: TMR

Finally completed in March this year, the project, co-funded by the state and federal governments, was initially costed at $9.8m and expected to be completed in early 2021.

However, it endured a long list of construction challenges – from issues with “slope stabilisation” on the western end, to reported lack of communication with Queensland Rail and its adjacent tacks.

TMR explained part of the blowout in time and cost was due to the additional ground works required and inflation impacts.

There were also months of silence where local conservation groups preparing to plant flora on the crossing were left without answers.

A cassowary crossing over the Bruce Highway near Feluga has been dubbed a $40m white elephant after new pics reveal a near vertical cliff that makes access by the flightless birds almost impossible. Picture: Christopher Duffy

During the lengthy construction, there were widespread questions of functionality, with motorists perplexed by the sudden steep “drop” on the western side for the flightless birds.

Over the four years there were complaints of the ongoing roadworks and associated lengthy delays in the tract between Smith’s Gap and Feluga.

While those more intrigued by the structure asked how cassowaries would know where to cross, with a cheeky image surfacing of the bird attempting to cross the road a few metres away from the bridge, adding to the humour.

A hilarious pic of cassowary crossing Bruce Hwy meters from a $40m wildlife crossing has sparked fiery debate. Picture: Kelly Stonehouse

Meanwhile long-term locals like former El Arish Tavern owner Wayne Kimberly couldn’t understand why an overpass was being built, when an underpass already existed nearby.

“The underpasses were built in the ’70s,” Mr Kimberly said.

“And they’re fenced off, so they’ve denied them access by fencing them off. It’s really angered a lot of people.

“It’s almost an embarrassment to say you’ve won an award.

“Wouldn’t you normally get an award for something that’s been achieved. Questions need to be asked about why this money wasn’t spent on El Arish Mission Beach Rd or Tully Mission Beach Rd where there constant cassowary deaths.

“Fish where the fish are. If this operation was a private business, you’d be in a lot of trouble.”

The crossing was fenced off to cassowaries and other fauna trying to cross the Bruce Highway. Picture: Peter Carruthers

While the crossing remained controversial, part of TMR’s recognition for the award included a public awareness campaign, complemented by strategic wildlife signage and billboards informing motorists of cassowaries, as well as implementing the Large Animal Activated Roadside Monitoring and Alert system.

“Through our partnership with the community and industry experts, TMR has taken significant strides to reduce the number of animal-vehicle collisions, particularly with cassowaries, TMR North Queensland regional director Ross Hodgman said, in acceptance of the award.

Originally published as Cassowary crossing at El Arish helps win industry excellence award for TMR