Far North Qld school kids forced to cross croc river after bridge washed away

Children in Far North Queensland are being forced to cross a known croc sighting spot in small boats to get back to school after a bridge was washed away in torrential flooding. One mum says authorities have failed to act on a known croc in the area.

Children in Far North Queensland are being forced to cross a known croc sighting spot in small boats to get back to school after a bridge was washed away in torrential flooding.

A handful of residents living at a dozen properties upstream from the Fisheries Bridge on the Mulgrave River, including seven school-aged children, have been cut off for almost five weeks.

Council officers have since set up a pulley system to pull boats across the river.

Punting across the river on Monday coincided with the erecting of fresh crocodile warning signs at the wrecked bridge, more than six months on from when the 3m animal was first spotted.

But one resident would like to see the department do more than erect signs.

Goldsborough resident Sonya Bielek pulls a small boat across the Mulgrave River to complete the daily school run after flood waters washed the Fisheries Bridge away on December 18. Picture: Peter Carruthers

On December 18 it was discovered that the bridge across the river in the Goldsborough Valley had been washed away when the tail end of Cyclone Jasper hammered the Cairns region with up to two metres of rain in the space of a week.

Gordonvale State High School student Hayden, Gordonvale Primary School student Kyrah with St Michael’s School pupils Rubus and Archer McKowens board a boat to cross the Mulgrave River after the Fisheries Bridge was washed away by flood water. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Mother Sonya Bielek said the Department of Environment refused to remove the croc due to outdated management plans requiring the animal to display dangerous behaviour before attempts are made to trap and remove the crocodile.

But by then it could be too late for a small child, the mum of two said.

“We are extremely concerned about the croc issue,” she said.

“My understanding is that unfortunately due to zoning in the croc management plan, DES wouldn’t normally take action unless it attacks us.”

A croc estimated to be 3m long was caught on video at Fisheries Bridge in the Goldsborough Valley before flooding destroyed the bridge in December. Picture: Supplied

Zoning maps created in 2018 have failed to keep pace with the encroachment of crocodiles further and further from the mouth of the Mulgrave River.

A long overdue review of the Queensland Crocodile Management Plan is expected to redefine removal zones, the overhaul will begin later this year, according to the state government.

“Whenever we report a sighting, it just gets marked as no further action by DES, we are hopeful that the council’s influence can get movement there,” she said.

Goldsborough Valley locals wait for school kids to cross the river. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Ms Bielek applauded efforts of Cairns Regional Council, whose officers have set up a pulley system to pull boats across the river, provided transport on the town side of the bridge, and installed a lockable gate before the crossing on Goldsborough Rd.

“The Goldsborough Community Association (have been) amazing with regard to food and fuel drops initially and a Christmas lolly delivery for the kids,” she said.

“Anglicare provided a voucher for life jackets for the kids and the Cairns Community Flood Appeal have provided so much support.”

But unfortunately Ms Bielek reported some had made the burden of isolation and daily river crossings even more difficult by taking punts for joy rides.

“(And) some a---hole cut the padlocks so they could go stickybeak,” she said.

“Obviously, all residents on this side of the gate had keys.”

A croc warning sign at Fisheries Bridge in the Goldsborough Valley. Picture: Peter Carruthers

Division 1 councillor Brett Moller said installation of a load-limited temporary bridge was being looked at and guided by the outcome of geotechnical and hydraulic assessments.

“Addressing the access issues for residents at Fisheries remains a council priority,” he said.

“There are plans to construct a replacement bridge as a long-term solution, with a timeline to be developed as council better understands what is required to complete the project.”

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Originally published as Far North Qld school kids forced to cross croc river after bridge washed away