Tamborine Mountain business to struggle if John Muntz Bridge not fixed soon

TAMBORINE MOUNTAIN businesses have been left devastated by the collapse of the John Muntz Bridge and are crying out for help from the state government.

The damage done to the John Muntz Bridge. Photo Genevieve Faulkner

TAMBORINE Mountain businesses have been hit hard by the collapse of the John Muntz Bridge and are calling for more detour signs to rescue their ailing tourism industry.

It took the State Government almost two weeks to confirm work would start on the bridge tomorrow. Repairs are due to finish mid-year.

The bridge collapse, following Cyclone Debbie, has confused tourists who are now unsure how to make their way up the mountain.

The damage done to John Muntz Bridge in Oxenford. Picture: Mike Batterham

Mount Tamborine Winery and Vineyard managing director Danielle Hart said the lead up to Easter had been exceptionally quiet.

“We are going to really struggle if it’s not fixed soon,” she said.

The collapse came at the start of the peak tourist season with visitors usually flocking to Tamborine from Easter until the end of winter.

“We need more detour signs and we need a plan of when this bridge is going to be fixed,” Ms Hart said.

John Muntz Causeway destroyed. Photo: William Owen-Jones

Eagle Heights Mountain Resort director Theresa Poots said the drop in traffic in the area was noticeable.

The town’s economy depended on tourism, she said.

Tamborine Mountain Chamber of Commerce president Alison Rip said a tourist told her it took them more than 90 minutes to find their way to Tamborine.

More signs were put in over the Easter weekend but there was still confusion.

Ms Rip said residents were also concerned about school buses using alternate routes which were not as well maintained as the regular route.

John Muntz Causeway destroyed by floods.

The best detours were via Reserve Rd or Henri Robert Dr as both remained two lanes the entire way.

A Department of Main Roads and Transport spokesman said detour signs had been in place since March 31.

“These signs have been reviewed several times and additional signs put in place on various local and state-controlled roads,” he said.