Community & Business
15 December, 2023
Council demands action on range road
A SURVEY asking locals whether they wanted to upgrade the Barron River bridge at Kuranda or have a new one built closed on Friday, with the community now waiting to hear the results.
Mareeba Shire Council has already made its views known, opting for a new bridge, but last week also demanded action on the Kuranda Range Road.
“Whether it be duplicating the Kuranda Range Road or the better option of constructing a new road at some other site, something must be done and sooner rather than later,” Mayor Angela Toppin said.
“The people of not just of our shire, but all of Far North Queensland, deserve better than this.
“The people of Southeast Queensland would not tolerate this, so why should we?
“A reliable proper access route over the Range has been a priority project for this council for years and we will not stop pushing for this until one is provided.
“There will always be a need for a safe and decent bridge over the Barron at Kuranda irrespective of where this improved range crossing occurs.
“Council believes the construction of a new bridge and an improved Range Road is critical for tourism, agriculture, business and economic development of the Mareeba Shire.
“It’s not a question of one or the other, it is both,” Mayor Toppin added.
