General News
19 August, 2025
Bridge funds a lifeline for tourist train future
AN outpouring of support from the community for the Savannahlander has allowed Member for Cook David Kempton to secure $500,000 to fix a critical bridge link on the rail journey from Mareeba to Forsayth.
Mr Kempton announced last week that the government would step up with the funds to allow Queensland Rail to fix the Copperfield Bridge which will enable the train to extend its journey beyond Einasleigh where it has to stop at the moment, forcing passengers to take an hour-long bus ride to Forsayth to see sights such as the Cobbold Gorge.
Once the bridge is fixed, which will happen before the next dry season, the train will be able to continue through to Wirrra Wirra which is only a short drive to Forsayth.
The bridge, which has been damaged by several weather events in the past few years, is one of several bridges that have to be fixed between Kuranda and Mareeba, and High Bridge, around 7km before Forsayth, to allow the train to do its full journey.
That would allow passengers to see some of the most beautiful scenery along the journey including Delaney Gorge and the Newcastle Range.
Fixing the Copperfield Bridge, which allows the train to remain viable, is key to securing more funds to fix the remaining bridges, according to Mr Kempton.
“If it (the Savannahlander trip) closed down, you would never get the work done on the other bridges. By keeping it going, we have leverage then to move to the next stage,” he said.
“This is the beginning of getting this iconic Savannahlander railway line back on track and after that, we are going to refurbish this station in Mareeba to make this a real experience for tourists to come and enjoy this part of the world.”
Savannahlander operations manager Mike Lee was upbeat about the prospect of getting the Copperfield Bridge open which was damaged by last year’s flooding.
“What has happened is the bridge has been lifted up out of the sockets in the rocks and moved sideways so what they will do is tie it up in such a way so it can’t get any worse – another flood will come down this year, it will survive that, and then as soon as the floodwater goes down, then the money kicks in and they can get people in to fix it,” Mr Lee said.
“Our focus has always been to support the Etheridge Shire and the railway line that runs into it, and with Copperfield bridge being repaired, that suits our aims and our goals and what we want from the Savannahlander.
“It gives our organisation a future, it gives a future for the people at the end of this line who have been helping us through these difficult times. We are so excited the announcement has been made finally.”
Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the repairs to the bridge was great news for the region.
“The first phase of works will involve repositioning the bridge, before undertaking repairs to the timber piers and bridge structures,” he said.
“Reopening this section of the line in time for next year’s Savannahlander operations will further enable sustainable tourism and support regional economies.”
Mr Kempton said he was in discussions with local community groups and businesses to source around $150,000 in funds to refurbish the Mareeba railway station. A community fundraiser was on the cards to allow locals to contribute to the project.
“We will galvanise the community into action to get behind this important rail infrastructure,” he said.
“We want the station to be upgraded so it can be part of the whole experience – and also the CWA restrooms.
“I’ve been told the old railway station is still in the area and we might even try to get it back. It then becomes a tourist attraction right in the middle of Mareeba.
“I want to ensure the Savannahlander travellers and the community have confidence that this iconic and historic line will remain open, if only partially, well into the future.
“By restoring the line to Wirra Wirra and giving Mareeba station an uplift, we will ensure tourists and travellers alike continue to enjoy a first-class experience.
“This is about more than repairing a bridge – it’s about restoring opportunity.”
