General News
21 February, 2021
Bridge conflict continues.
A long-awaited report on the condition of the Barron River bridge at Kuranda won’t be released to the public because it is too 'technical’ according to Transport and Main Roads.
A long-awaited report on the condition of the Barron River bridge at Kuranda won’t be released to the public because it is too technical’ according to Transport and Main Roads (TMR).
Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter said he is not happy with that decision. And that motorists have a right to know if the bridge is safe to use and for how the single lane access and weight restrictions will remain.
“Either it is safe, or it is not safe, and it certainly looks like it is not when we get a response like this.”
Mr Katter said he will be writing to the Qld Transport Minister, Mark Bailey regarding the Bridge.
“I will demand a copy of the report,” Mr Katter said.
“We are being treated as mugs in North Queensland. The State Government would not be keeping Brisbane residents in the dark like this, and they would be spending money to fix the situation.
“They are now estimated to spend $7B on Brisbane’s Cross River Rail, meanwhile we are down to one lane at the Kennedy Highway at Kuranda with no action from the State Government.
“It’s time for the State Government to build the alternative road to Cairns – the Bridle Track highway. We have given TMR a topographical map of the proposed road and I have discussed this proposal with them and the Federal Government’s Assistant Transport Minister, Scott Buchholz. There is now no alternative.”
A Spokesperson from TMR said that the report is yet to be completed but they would provide an update to stakeholders as soon as the information was available.
“We are carrying out inspections on the Barron River Bridge, near Kuranda,” they said.
“The bridge has been reduced to one lane until these inspections are complete.
“We will receive a report this month (February), which will provide recommendations about the bridge’s future.
“The report is a technical document that is not suitable for publication.
“We will provide an update to stakeholders and the public as soon as further information is available.
“It is safe, and the single-lane closure is a precautionary measure during investigations.
“We thank motorists and residents for their patience.”
