Barron River Bridge response sparks electorate boundary debate

A Far North MP claims the state transport minister fumbled his facts while attempting to answer a “Dorothy Dixer” question about the future of the Barron River Bridge. WATCH HERE.

A Far North MP claims the state transport minister fumbled his facts while attempting to answer a “Dorothy Dixer” question about the future of the Barron River Bridge.

During question time on Thursday, Barron River MP Bree James asked Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg for an update on the Barron River Bridge, and if he “was aware of any alternative approaches?”

“Will the minister advise the house how the Crisafulli Government is working to secure the future of the critical transport infrastructure, including the Barron River Bridge?”

As per the unwritten and widely accepted nature of responding to Dorothy Dixers, Mr Mickelberg used the opportunity to slam the former Labor Government over its inaction on infrastructure and the Barron River Bridge.

State Transport Minister Brent Mickelberg received briefings of works being conducted on the Kuranda Range Rd and Barron River Bridge during a visit on December 4. Picture: Facebook

“How good is it to have a member for Barron River who actually lives in Barron River and fights for her community – unlike her predecessor, a man who sat on the government benches for 10 years, much of that time in cabinet, and delivered nothing for the people of the Far North,” Mr Mickelberg said in his opening remarks.

He then went on to criticise Cairns MP Michael Healy for going “missing far too regularly when it comes to hard issues”.

Hitting back, Mr Healy said the minister had fumbled his facts when it came to electoral boundaries.

“Not only did he not give an answer to what’s happening with the bridge, he said the member for Barron River lives in Barron River; she lives in the electorate of Cairns,” Mr Healy said.

Deputy Opposition leader Cameron Dick with Cairns MP Michael Healy at the Barron River bridge outside Kuranda. Picture: Peter Carruthers

“He also said unlike her predecessor, well (former Barron River MP) Craig Crawford has always lived in Barron River. So I don’t know what’s going on there, but the people of the Far North still don’t know what’s going on with the bridge.

“I’m getting calls in my office from people asking what’s happening and they’re saying they’re not getting a response from their LNP member.”

Mr Healy said the federal budget allocation of $225m towards the Barron River Bridge implied a state co-contribution was forthcoming, leading to an assumption the government was planning on building a new structure.

“But why aren’t they informing their communities?”

A photo posted to Facebook by then deputy Opposition leader Jarrod Bleijie at the Barron River Bridge on September 17, 2024, stating "We’ve committed to building a new Barron River Bridge."

Ms James said she lived “about 500m” from her electorate boundary and the Crisafulli Government was keeping its “commitment to deliver a new bridge and generational infrastructure”.

“I won’t stop fighting for this until it’s delivered. I look forward to seeing the budget release soon.”

Mr Mickelberg doubled down on his question time response stating the bridge had been neglected under Labor for almost 10 years.

“The business case is being actively considered by the Crisafulli Government, and the Far North will shortly be informed of the plan,” he said.

“We have been working hard to deliver for these communities and give them a bridge that will last generations.”

Originally published as Barron River Bridge response sparks electorate boundary debate