Community & Business
22 August, 2024
Mayors take priority message to Brisbane
MAREEBA Mayor Angela Toppin is spearheading a critical delegation to Brisbane this week to fight for three priorities for the region – the Barron River bridge at Kuranda, the Kuranda Range Road and the completion of the FNQ Regional Plan.
The delegation is from the Far North Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils (FNQROC), of which Mayor Toppin is the chairperson, and will involve all Mayors from the region.
It is understood the group will meet with key state government officials, including front bench Ministers from both major political parties, and Katter’s Australian Party to ensure that all priorities are understood and acted upon with the urgency they deserve.
The delegation will be strongly advocating for the expedited replacement of the Kuranda Barron Bridge, the development of a business case for both the Kuranda Range Road and Palmerston Range, and the urgent finalisation of the Far North Queensland Regional Plan.
FNQROC says these infrastructure projects are not just vital for local communities but are critical to the economic growth and connectivity of the entire region, including the Cape York and Gulf areas.
The organisation is focused on ensuring that these projects receive the necessary state support to secure the future of Far North Queensland.
“The expedited replacement of the Kuranda Barron Bridge is not just about infrastructure - it’s about ensuring the safety and well-being of our communities and sustaining the economic vitality of the region,” Mayor Toppin said.
“The range roads, particularly the Kuranda and Palmerston Ranges, are lifelines for Far North Queensland.
“It’s crucial that the State Government commits to developing a business case that will lead to long-term solutions for these essential routes so we don’t end up with the same result as the Kuranda Barron Bridge.”
The bridge has been reduced to one lane and a tonnage limit of 42.5 for months now amidst concerns commuters and heavy transport will have to endure years of this disruption until a new bridge can be built by 2031.
Labor has pledged to replace the bridge, committing $450 million but say it will take up to seven years, while the LNP has committed to finding a “proper solution” to the issue and if a new bridge is required, have vowed to construct it in a shorter timeframe.
Meanwhile, locals are waiting on a decision from the Department of Transport and Main Roads on whether the bridge can open back up to two lanes.
The FNQROC delegation will also be pushing for the completion of a new FNQ Regional Plan.
“The Far North Queensland Regional Plan is key to shaping the future of our region. We are urging the government to prioritise its finalisation to provide a clear pathway for sustainable development and investment,” Mayor Toppin said.
“The FNQ Regional Plan is a comprehensive blueprint that will guide State and Local Government decisions on the region’s growth, ensuring that we have the necessary infrastructure, housing, and transportation networks to support our communities.
“This plan is crucial for addressing current housing shortages, planning future road networks, and facilitating sustainable economic growth across Far North Queensland.
“Its finalisation will provide certainty for investors and clarity for our local governments as they plan for the future.”
