Mareeba Shire welcomes proposal to replace Kuranda Barron River Bridge
A proposal to construct a new bridge on the Barron River has been welcomed by Mareeba Shire Council, following safety concerns about the existing bridge.
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A proposal to construct a new bridge on the Barron River has been welcomed by Mareeba Shire Council, with just days left for the community to have their say on plans.
Mareeba mayor Angela Toppin confirmed council supported the proposal, submitted by the Department of Main Roads, for a new bridge to be constructed downstream from the existing one.
“Council has been advocating for an improved solution for the Kuranda Barron River Bridge for many years, and there have been numerous studies completed by the Department,” Ms Toppin said.
“It is now time we see action from the Queensland Government to bring this vital project to fruition.
“Council believes the construction of a new bridge is critical for tourism, agriculture, business and economic development of the Mareeba Shire and the region, and a letter will be sent to the Minister.”
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said he wanted to see a long-term solution to the bridge with minimal disruption to travelling motorists.
“It is absolutely critical that we keep that link in the lifeline open between Cairns and Kuranda. Personally, I like the option of a new bridge with a pedestrian and bike path,” Mr Crawford said.
A spokesperson for the Department of Transport and Main Roads said community consultation on two proposed long-term options for the Barron River bridge at Kuranda was open until December 8 via the consultation website.
The two options being considered by TMR are one - the installation of a temporary bridge during a “major upgrade” of the existing bridge, or two - the construction of a new bridge downstream of the existing alignment, with the old bridge to be removed post-construction.
“We will release the outcomes of this consultation in early 2024. The planning study is expected for completion in late 2024,” the spokesperson said.
Residents are seemingly split on the best option for the project but are largely concerned with the long-term impacts on the surrounds.
Kuranda resident and store owner Rajini Rusch said whichever option is chosen, the community needed quick access to Cairns during construction.
“It’s going to be crazy once they bring in heavy machinery, it will mean constant delays, there’s people that need to get to hospital,” Ms Rusch said.
“There has to be a change on the bridge, it’s unsafe, you can’t keep patching it up, it’s an unsafe bridge and it needs to be replaced and we need to have alternative access [to Cairns] during that time at least.”
“What’s concerning me with either option is what is going to happen at the river front,”
Kuranda resident and small business owner Mark Bailey said, referring to the river walk access off Therwine Street.
“I don’t believe Mareeba Shire are interested in Kuranda, only a road that goes through it,”
“They’re not interested in the river walkway and the park, we could end up with our stairway gone and not having the place for years.”
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Originally published as Mareeba Shire welcomes proposal to replace Kuranda Barron River Bridge
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