MEDIA STATEMENT: Crisafulli Government to deliver for Barron River

Crisafulli Government to deliver for Barron River

• Crisafulli Government releases summary business case for Barron River Bridge at Kuranda.
• A new bridge downstream from the existing bridge has been identified as the preferred long-term solution.
• Crisafulli Government is committed to fixing the Barron River Bridge after Labor left it to ruin.

The Crisafulli Government has released the summary business case identifying the best long-term solution for the ageing bridge over Barron River in Kuranda.

The ageing bridge should have been addressed a decade ago, but Labor left it to rot and ruin, despite the desperate calls from the Far North community.

The recommendation from the planning study is to build a new bridge on a new alignment, downstream from the existing bridge.

A new pathway for pedestrians and bike riders, separated from traffic with a barrier, is recommended to greatly improve safety for vulnerable road users.

The concept layout for the new bridge also includes a turnaround capability on the Kennedy Highway at the top of the Kuranda Range.

The existing bridge will be kept safely in service with routine maintenance and testing, and only removed once the new bridge is complete.

Minister for Transport and Main Roads Brent Mickelberg said the Crisafulli Government is delivering for the Far North, after a decade of neglect under Labor.

“The Barron River Bridge is an important road connecting communities in the Far North, which is why we committed to fixing what Labor left to ruin,” Minister Mickelberg said.

“The Crisafulli Government is getting on with the job of fixing the mess left by Labor by delivering generational infrastructure to cross the Barron River that is safe and reliable.

“We welcome the Federal Government’s funding commitment of $245 million to the project and look forward to making further funding announcements at the earliest opportunity.

“Engagement with key stakeholders and local government is already underway, with industry briefings on the project to be held in the next few months.”

Member for Barron River Bree James has welcomed the release of the summary business case after fighting hard on behalf of her community.

“It’s the news my community has been waiting for after a decade of being ignored by Labor,” Ms James said.

“We can now move forward with a long-term solution for Barron River and ensure the Far North stays connected.”

Member for Cook David Kempton has thanked the Crisafulli Government for getting on with the job.

“The community has been fighting tooth and nail for a safe and reliable bridge, and those cries fell on deaf ears with Labor,” Mr Kempton said.

“The Crisafulli Government is honouring its commitment to ensure residents, visitors and essential services and supplies are connected in the Far North."

For more information, visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/barronriverbridge

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Kate Leonard-Jones 0484 620 899