Commemorative name for Angellala Creek Bridge to honour heroes

The Angellala Creek Bridge will soon be known as ‘Heroes Bridge’.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the new name for the bridge was chosen as part of Queensland’s ANZAC Centenary celebrations.

“Last year we put out the call inviting our western communities to suggest names that commemorated the ANZAC spirt and meant something special to the people of south west Queensland,” Mr Bailey said.

“The Centenary of ANZAC 2014 to 2018 is Australia’s most important period of national commemoration and marks Australia and New Zealand’s participation in the First World War.”

The name ‘Heroes Bridge’ was nominated by Mr Frank Lockrey, who saw parallels between the ANZAC spirit and the response to the Angellala Creek explosion on 5 September 2014.

“Much like the ANZACs these people put their lives on the line to rescue others. The first responders to the Angellala Bridge explosion have received various bravery awards for their efforts and this bridge will also stand as a memorial to their bravery,” Mr Bailey said.

Seven nominations were received and the final name was selected by a panel including representatives from the Charleville RSL Memorial Club, Murweh Shire Council and Transport and Main Roads.

New name signs for the bridge will be installed on Friday 21 April in time for ANZAC Day.

ENDS

Background

On 5 September, 2014, a truck carrying 20 tonnes of ammonium nitrate overturned on the Mitchell Highway and exploded, destroying the Angellala Creek bridge, about 30km south of Charleville.

Construction on a new bridge started in June 2015 and was finished on 30 October 2015. The new bridge was opened to traffic on 11 November 2015.

Media contact: Zoe Russell - 0428 079 640