New bridge beefs up local economy

The $1.5million Tate River Crossing Upgrade has officially opened, delivering improved accessibility for cattle properties, their employees and contractors in Mareeba and the broader region.

Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick said the upgraded crossing provides a safer route to cattle sale yards during and immediately following the wet season, enabling cattle to be sold to market at their prime weight.

“The Tate River Crossing on Bolwarra Road provides the only access across the Tate River, connecting up to 26,000 head of cattle to the sale yards,” Mr Dick said.

“Until now, this crossing has been impassable for up to three months during the wet season each year.

“This has represented a significant financial loss for the cattle stations that have to wait until April to sell cattle at a lower price than they would get selling them at peak condition in February. It also reduces the supply of beef to market during the wet season.”

Minister for Local Government, Multicultural Affairs and Racing Stirling Hinchliffe said the upgraded crossing will deliver immediate income increases to cattle property owners and their suppliers within the region.

“The community will also have better access to food, fuel and mail, as well as access to emergency services,” Mr Hinchliffe said.

“It also improves safety for road users by providing a wider, straight causeway with greater visibility.

“This is an important day for the community and I’d like to congratulate the Mayor and the Council for completing this important project.”

The project received $375,000 under round two of the Palaszczuk Government’s Building our Regions program with a further $384,000 from the Community Resilience Fund. Mareeba Shire Council contributed the remaining funds.

The project involved construction of a concrete base, pre-cast concrete box culverts, head walls, deck, and road approaches.

Member for Cook, Cynthia Lui said while there have been no recorded accidents on the causeway, the increase in width and improved alignment has enabled road trains transporting cattle to fit both sets of tyres comfortably along the entire length of the crossing, reducing the risk of catastrophe.

“In Mareeba Shire, the Palaszczuk Government’s Building our Regions fund is contributing more than $2.8 million towards delivering four projects worth $18 million and generating 54 jobs,” Ms Lui said.

Building our Regions is a $445 million targeted regional infrastructure program for local government projects http://statedevelopment.qld.gov.au/buildingourregions

ENDS

Media contact: Cath Palmer, 0424 823 424