Ted Cunningham bridge: Destruction of new $4.6m Bowen River bridge raises concern

A North Queensland MP has raised serious concerns about the construction of a new $4.5 million bridge after it was washed away by flood waters days after its official opening.

A North Queensland MP has raised serious concerns about the construction of a new $4.5 million bridge after it was washed away by flood waters days after its official opening.

The newly constructed Ted Cunningham bridge over the Bowen River — which cost $4.5m to build — was washed away by floodwaters on Wednesday, about a week after it was officially opened by Whitsunday Regional Council.

The new 130m bridge connected residents along Strathmore Road in the Leichhardt Range to Bowen and the A1 and provided access to the heritage-listed Bowen River Hotel.

The council said the bridge was designed to “increase flood immunity” and had “an expected lifespan of up to 100 years” while spruiking the project in August.

Flood damage at the Ted Cunningham Bridge across the Bowen River. Picture: Facebook/Bowen River Hotel

Its recent destruction has sparked outrage among locals who claim the council didn’t heed their initial warnings about the bridge’s engineering plans.

Burdekin MP Dale Last said the priority right now should be ensuring that people who rely on that bridge have their access restored as soon as possible.

“Once those people have access to essential services, there are questions that need to be answered,” he said.

“When I was made aware of the damage to the bridge I spoke to the Mayor of the Whitsunday Regional Council and was advised that restoring access for people in the area was their priority.

“I was advised that crews would on site as soon as possible and I want to acknowledge council for mobilising a response as quickly as possible.”

No Access: Ted Cunningham Bridge across the Bowen River

“Regardless of whether the new bridge was designed to be floodproof or flood resilient, it is clear that something has gone very wrong either during the design or construction of the bridge.

“People in that area were promised a reliable bridge with improved access, and that commitment must be delivered on.”

The council said the project contractors who completed the bridge were sent to assess the damage in the aftermath of the floods.

The Burdekin MP said he was told the contractor would commence work on repairs to the new bridge as soon as it is possible to get the necessary machinery on site.

“My understanding … is that the cost of repairs will not be passed onto ratepayers or taxpayers,” he said.

Burdekin MP Dale Last. Picture: Evan Morgan

Originally published as Ted Cunningham bridge: Destruction of new $4.6m Bowen River bridge raises concern