Bribie Island residents are worried a new bridge would destroy the ‘natural wonder’ of the island

Bribie Island residents have expressed their concerns a mooted new bridge to the mainland could ruin the “beautiful natural wonder” of the island. Vote in our poll.

Bribie Island residents fear the island’s natural beauty could be lost forever as community consultation begins over a second bridge to the mainland.

Several long-term residents have voiced their concerns the island could become overcrowded if another bridge was built.

The State Government is undertaking a study to identify a corridor for the future duplication or replacement of the Bribie Island Bridge.

The current two-lane bridge, which was built in 1963, is expected to reach capacity by 2031.

In a post on the Bribie Island Community Facebook group, resident Carol Wood said she was worried that the island might just become another overcrowded suburb in Moreton Bay if a new bridge was built.

Bribie Island bridge. Picture: Dan Moore

Long term resident, Janice Brown, said the island didn’t need another bridge.

“I have lived on this beautiful Island for 42 years and have NEVER had a major issue with the bridge or felt we needed an upgrade,” she posted.

“The island has grown way too much and the population has grown from around 5000 back then and it is losing its serenity and becoming overpopulated please leave it as it is we DON’T need another bridge.”

Other residents believed the future of the island is grim without a new bridge, with Jeff Bear writing the island might “be like Noosa bumper to bumper traffic no where to park” within the decade.

Sharyn Riddell said there needed to be concern for the wellbeing of the residents if a natural disaster cut off the bridge, which is the only connection to the mainland.

“Another bridge is essential for the current population of the island,” she posted.

“With only one way on and off the island by road, it becomes a major problem for emergency services if there’s an accident or other incident which shuts down the bridge.

The only other way in that event is for being air lifted off by helicopter … lives are at risk in that instance.”

Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA) president, Richard Ogden, said his group would support more “slow tourism”, such as green cycle ways to connect the mainland and the island.

“Bribie Island is a natural wonder on the doorstep of an urban environment. We want future generations to be delighted and proud that Bribie Island has sustained its natural beauty,” he said.

BIEPA members gathering at a recent community tree planting event on Bribie Island. Photo: Supplied

Pumicestone MP Ali King has said there are no plans to develop Bribie Island National Park or state forest land.

“I worked hard to get a $4 million commitment for a Business Case for our next Bribie Bridge because wherever I go, residents tell me it’s needed,” she said.

“A future replacement Bribie Bridge is about addressing current traffic congestion and resident concerns about accessibility.

“The population of Bribie has increased by 3,333% since the current Bribie Bridge was built in 1963, and tourist visitation has also increased – and no wonder given our spectacular natural environment.

“Council is responsible for the planning framework on Bribie and for development approvals, but I can confirm the State Government has no plans whatsoever to allow development on Bribie Island National Park or state forest land.

“I encourage locals to have their say during the Business Case consultation about what a future Bribie Bridge needs in order to meet the unique needs of our community.”