‘Say your prayers’: Bridge needs fix before development

There is concern development of farmland at Bli Bli will put further pressure on infrastructure already under strain.

Cass Harper, pictured with her family, hopes roads and other infrastructure will be upgraded before further development is brought to Bli Bli.

Developing farmland at Bli Bli would put further pressure on infrastructure already under strain, according to concerned residents.

Resident of four years Cass Harper said you "say your prayers" if you find yourself stuck on the Bli Bli bridge on David Low Way at peak hour school pick-up traffic.

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A 20-tonne load limit has been in place for the bridge since July 2019.

Transport Department investigations have confirmed the need for the load limit, but it remains unclear what work was needed to bring the bridge up to scratch.

Meanwhile the Sunshine Coast Council has released a proposal for a planning scheme amendment to help enable future housing development.

It wants to rezone 80ha of former cane land property to emerging communities - to allow for low to medium density housing development.

Sunshine Coast Council has proposed a rezoning of 80 hectares of rural land at Bli Bli, to allow development to cater for future housing needs.

Ms Harper said she and other residents worried Bli Bli's infrastructure could not sustain the increase in housing development.

"They need to look at the impacts on the area," Ms Harper said.

"The Bli Bli bridge near the new town village has a 20-tonne limit on it.

"Locals have been fighting to get that bridge fixed.

"There are traffic lights at Bli Bli village now so it's a nightmare at school runs … if you're stopped at that bridge at peak hour you say your prayers."

A department spokesman said the load limit remained in place because investigations and assessments were still being conducted.

"Alterative routes are available for vehicles above this limit," he said.

Bli Bli bridge at David Low Way has had a 20-tonne load limit since July 2019. Picture: Patrick Woods

"We are continuing to investigate future management options for the bridge which will also determine potential costs."

Ms Harper said she was also concerned that some of the land proposed for rezoning was prone to flooding.

About half of the land is suitable for urban development, according to the council, but flooding is a constraint in the northern section of the land.

The planning scheme amendment proposal is open for community consultation until December 4.

The rezoning proposal involves 80ha of land on Yandina-Bli Bli Rd, Thomas Rd and Lefoes Rd.

The changes would also allow for the development of a neighbourhood shopping centre, a lake, flood storage, a local park and green spaces.

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