Construction on a cassowary crossing bridge construction at Smith’s Gap to begin in July
Works on the first-ever bridge for FNQ’s famous cassowaries will start next month, helping them safely cross the Bruce Highway by linking tracts of world heritage-listed rainforest currently separated by the road.
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WORKS on the first-ever bridge for Far North Queensland’s famous cassowaries will start next month, helping them safely cross the Bruce Highway by linking tracts of world heritage-listed rainforest currently separated by the road.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the bridge is being delivered as part of the Federal Government’s fully-funded $13.8 million Smith’s Gap project which will also deliver a southbound overtaking lane.
“Smith’s Gap is an identified cassowary corridor and the land bridge will connect critical cassowary habitats,” Mr McCormack said.
“Cassowary safety measures have been considered in all aspects of the design and planning for the overtaking lane.
> GREEN LIGHT FOR CASSOWARY CROSSING ON BRUCE HIGHWAY
“We are aware of the importance of this project, which is why the Australian Government has committed an additional $3.8 million to ensure the full scope of works can be delivered.”
Liz Gallie of Mission Beach Cassowaries said conservationists were delighted.
“It’s a fantastic project that the State and Federal governments have worked to establish,” she said.
“They’ve recognised the need to give cassowaries safe passageway across our roads.”
However, there is a mixed reception to the bridge in El Arish, with many residents dumbfounded by the project.
El Arish Tavern owner Wayne Kimberley said he has never seen a cassowary cross the Bruce Highway at Smith’s Gap in his 25 years of residence in the town.
“It’s not an area where it’s known to be a dangerous crossing for cassowaries,” he said.
“They already cross under the Maria Creek bridge.’’
> MAPPING ‘CRUCIAL’ FOR THE SURVIVAL OF CASSOWARY IN FNQ
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey said protecting cassowaries is a priority for the State Government.
“We’ve been working closely with the local community since 2015 to find effective solutions to reduce cassowary road strikes,” Mr Bailey said.
“Local cassowary groups raised the need for a land bridge with me during a community meeting at Mission Beach and I’m proud that we’re able to help deliver this project alongside other potential strategies such as vegetation management along key roads.”
The $13.8 million overtaking lane project is fully funded by the Federal Government’s $307.83 million Bruce Highway Overtaking Lanes Package.
Originally published as Construction on a cassowary crossing bridge construction at Smith’s Gap to begin in July