Why Toowoomba Bypass makes for a 'sombre drive'

ONE reader said drivers can find a common, sombre theme as they travel along the Toowoomba Bypass.

The Toowoomba Bypass. Picture: Above Photography PTY LTD

CONGRATULATIONS to the politicians who selected the bypass and bridge names, although there seems to be a common theme that will make travelling along it a rather sombre drive.  

Multuggerah, John French and Brett Forte were physically impressive men who were all team players.  

Multuggerah was a Jagara warrior whose father was said to be seven foot tall.  

John played rugby league before joining the army and Brett was a hockey player before his police career.

They all served the communities and entered into battles where they were killed by gunfire.

They became one of the many Australian men and women who have given their lives trying to protect their mates and will always be revered.  

Multuggerah died in 1846 at Glenore Grove during the Frontier War of south-east Qld, 1842-1866, John died in 1942 at Milne Bay during World War II, and Brett died in 2017 near Helidon.  

I feel all three would have insisted that their colleagues be adding Senior Constable above the Brett Forte Bridge sign and Corporal above the John French VC Bridge sign.

I have been asked if the VC stood for Vice Chancellor.   

It's good that the indigenous practice of "avoiding the use of the name of people who have died" did not stop naming the Multuggerah Viaduct.

The name, Toowoomba Bypass, was a win for common sense.

There are at least 20 other bridges, perhaps they could be named after historical achievements, cultural sites, unique flora and fauna, their influence of the railway, early industries like KR Darling Downs, Unity Butter and Perkins XXXX beer, our many festivals and other things we can celebrate.  

JEFF DAVIDSON, Toowoomba

Originally published as Why Toowoomba Bypass makes for a 'sombre drive'