Woree’s Gordon Creek pedestrian bridge on the chopping block unless council sees evidence of use

Cairns Regional Council is ready to close a pedestrian bridge in Woree unless it sees evidence of popular use. Residents have said doing so would create serious danger for the community.

Cairns residents fear children will be in danger if council closes a popular Woree pedestrian bridge to save $50,000.

The ageing but popular bridge over Gordon Creek will not receive funding for repairs to its handrails, stairs and walkway unless evidence of “sufficient demand” is presented to council.

The bridge provides access to a nearby soccer club and park, and also runs alongside a rail bridge.

Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger is calling for locals to send in their opinions on the bridge's potential closure. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Division 3 councillor Cathy Zeiger said if it was closed there was concern children would use the rail bridge that is next to it.

She called for public feedback on Facebook.

“Within minutes I had people telling me they used it all the time,” Cr Zeiger said.

“The officers investigated and concluded it’s in a poor condition and not in accordance with safety standards.

“The officers started saying ‘it’s going to be expensive to repair, we might as well get rid of it because we don’t think people use it’. That’s when I put it out on Facebook and I’ll be showing the officers the comments I am receiving.

“It provides access to a park area. A lot of locals walk their dogs there.”

Locals fear children will use the adjacent rail bridge to cross Gordon Creek if the pedestrian bridge is closed. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Cr Zeiger said she had no guarantee from council’s officers that they would repair the bridge but said, because of the feedback received already, she would be surprised if it was closed.

“People can email me their feedback or send feedback to the email provided on the sign,” Cr Zeiger said.

“I love it when the community lends their voice to issues; we’ve seen a bit of that recently.”

More than 40 residents responded to Cr Zeiger’s Facebook posts within 24 hours; many cited the safety concerns of the rail bridge.

“We use it every day. The walking grid is not worn out and is safe to cross. Closing it will just mean kids will use the railway tracks to get across which is far more dangerous,” Marsha Rohweder said.

“Our family would prefer it stays open. Plenty of people walk their dogs over it, kids walk home from school using it. It’s much safer than walking over the cane train bridge, which is what will happen if it closes,” Matt Bolton said.

“I use it on my afternoon dog walks. Through the soccer fields and across the bridge. It would be a shame to lose it, a locals’ treasure,” Trisha O’Donnell said.

Originally published as Woree’s Gordon Creek pedestrian bridge on the chopping block unless council sees evidence of use