Oxenford Pony Club told State Government about John Muntz Bridge concerns 12 months ago

WARNINGS about the stability of the John Muntz Bridge had been raised with the state government more than 12 months before the $15 million bridge was washed away.

CONCERNS about the stability of the John Muntz Bridge were raised with the state government more than 12 months before it was washed away.

Ex-tropical Cyclone Debbie tore a massive hole in the supposedly floodproof Oxenford bridge last month, cutting a major pathway to Tamborine Mountain, and it could be months before it is fixed.

Before works begin on the $15 million bridge the primary gas main which services the Gold Coast must be reconnected and Energex needs to complete maintenance of power lines.

John Muntz Causeway destroyed by floods.

These works are set to be finished by the mid-May.

Pony club president Russell Lynch said the club last met with the state government about 12 months ago to speak about the erosion they believed was affecting the bridge.

“We are not experts but we know the area,” he said.

“We knew the river was going to break through where it has.”

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

Mr Lynch launched an online petition to have the bridge fixed as soon as possible and in less than a week it has been signed by more than 1500 people.

He said he was frustrated with the state government, which had left the pony club in the dark about when repairs might be complete.

Albert MP Mark Boothman said he was aware the pony club had approached the state government about the bridge previously.

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

He said if the bridge was not fixed soon it would cause traffic mayhem.

“There is nothing but the traffic guys stopping the people,” he said.

“It’s devastating for the businesses on Tamborine Mountain.”

About 15,000 vehicles use the bridge each day.

John Muntz Causeway destroyed. Photo: William Owen-Jones

The real test of the traffic flow will come when school returns after Easter.

Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said an “unprecedented amount of water” had washed away the original causeway, but did not comment why concerns from the pony club had not been addressed.

“TMR Engineers are still carrying out structural and underwater investigations at the location, along with the removal of a significant amount of debris,” he said.

“Much of the debris is under the water level and has to be removed before reinstatement can begin.”

Mr Bailey said the state government recognised the significance of the bridge.