Toowoomba Bypass bridges named after local heroes

EXCLUSIVE: Two Toowoomba heroes who died serving this country will be memorialised for years to come with two bridges set to be named after them.

BRIDGES NAMED: The New England Highway arch bridges that take motorists across the Toowoomba Bypass will be known as the Brett Forte and John French bridges. Picture: Nexus TSRC

THE memory of Toowoomba police officer Brett Forte, who died in the line of duty in 2017, will be memorialised for years to come, with one of the two New England Highway arch bridges named after the officer.

The southbound bridge that travels above the Toowoomba Bypass will be known as the Brett Forte Bridge.

Susie Forte, Senior Constable Forte's wife, said she was thankful for the naming.

"I would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone involved in the nomination and decision to name one of the Toowoomba Bypass bridges after my much-loved husband, the late Snr Const Brett Forte," Mrs Forte said.

"Words cannot describe how heart-warming it is to know that Brett will always be remembered.

"The ongoing support we have received by members of the community since Brett's passing has certainly helped us during our darkest days.

"I know Brett would never have imagined having his name attached to something so significant, so once again, thank you to each and every one of you."

The Brett Forte Bridge will be unveiled today at an intimate ceremony held with Snr Const Forte's family and invited guests.

Senior Constable Brett Forte. Picture: News Corp

Transport and Main Roads Minister Mark Bailey said the naming of the bridge commemorated Snr Const Forte's bravery and dedication to the Queensland Police Service.

"As a member of the QPS, Snr Const Forte served the Darling Downs and Lockyer Valley communities, and tragically lost his life in the line of duty in 2017," Mr Bailey said.

"His name featured heavily in the 650-plus nominations received during the Toowoomba Bypass naming process, which is testament to the support and gratitude the public has for his commitment to his work and the community."

Snr Const Forte lost his life in May 2017 while on duty near Toowoomba. He grew up in Redcliffe and was stationed at Caboolture for three years before he moved to Toowoomba's Tactical Crime Squad.

The northbound New England Highway arch bridge over the bypass will be named after local World War II hero Corporal John French, known as Jack.

Cpl French was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery.

"Corporal John Alexander French, born and raised in Crows Nest, was among the first in the region to enlist for service when war was declared," Mr Bailey said. "He had an extraordinary service record, with deployment in Libya and Tobruk, before returning to Australia in response to Japan's entry to the war and the attacks on Pearl Harbour.

"These attacks changed the course of the war and after a short period of leave, Cpl French's battalion was retrained and sent to Milne Bay in the Territory of Papua - now known as Papua New Guinea."

John Alexander French, known as Jack. Picture: Contributed

Mr Bailey said Cpl French's actions and sacrifice during World War II saved the men under his command.

"On September 4, 1942, B Company of the 29th battalion, of which Cpl French was a member, encountered heavy Japanese fire.

"Accounts from his fellow company members tell us Cpl French ordered his section to take cover shortly before he was fatally wounded."

Mr Bailey said both Sen Const Forte and Cpl French exemplified selflessness and bravery.

"The naming of the New England Highway twin bridges after Brett Forte and John French, VC, will serve as an enduring legacy and help keep their stories remembered for future generations," Mr Bailey said.

The name signs will be displayed on the approach to each bridge on the New England Highway at Mount Kynoch and under the bridges for motorists travelling on the bypass.

Mr Bailey acknowledged the committee who considered the names for nominated bridges, with the committee made up of a broad range of community representatives from the Toowoomba and Lockyer Valley communities.

Toowoomba North MP Trevor Watts was one of the members of the committee that decided on the names.

"It is a true privilege to now see the southbound arch bridge become part of Snr Const Brett Forte's legacy," Mr Watts said.

"(Snr Const) Forte left an indelible mark on the Highfields and Toowoomba communities.

"Senior Constable Brett Forte and Jack French VC made the ultimate sacrifice for our communities.

"The twin arch bridges will serve as a lasting memorial to their great sacrifice."

Groom MP John McVeigh said he was pleased "two brave and dedicated individuals from our region will be honoured in such a way".

"The naming of bridges on the Toowoomba Second Range Crossing in honour of these men is a most worthy tribute to two very important individuals who dedicated so much for the future of our region." he said.

The names of several other pieces of infrastructure on the bypass will be released in the coming days.

The Toowoomba Bypass opens this weekend.

Originally published as Toowoomba Bypass bridges named after local heroes