Published Friday, 05 September, 2008 at 10:11 AM
Minister for Main Roads and Local Government
The Honourable Warren Pitt
Surat footbridge opens in time for summer
A new footbridge on the Balonne River bridge at Surat will provide important safety and lifestyle benefits to pedestrians and cyclists in the south-western town.
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the opening of the new footbridge was great news for tourists and the local community, who would now be able to enjoy the benefits of this new piece of infrastructure.
"The footbridge structure has been added to the existing bridge in order to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Pitt said.
"With summer fast approaching, residents and visitors will now be able to safely cross the river to access the business centre, along with the excellent tourist attractions and recreational spaces that Surat has to offer.”
Main Roads Regional Director Peter Evans acknowledged the efforts of the former Warroo mayor (now Balonne Shire Council mayor ) Donna Stewart in pressing for funding for the project.
"The former Warroo Shire Council played an important role in securing the funding, as well as organising the project," Mr Evans said.
Roma Regional Council Mayor Robert Loughnan said the original Surat Bridge was built for the transportation of agricultural produce and local traffic across the Balonne River.
"Use of the bridge has expanded to include tourists, freight companies and even mobs of droving cattle – all of whom regularly cross the bridge," Cr Loughnan said.
"This new facility will completely separate pedestrians from other traffic and as such will greatly enhance the safety of all users."
Mr Pitt said the $500,000 project was a good example of how Main Roads and local governments worked together to find practical solutions to important safety issues.
The Surat footbridge was opened to the local community last month 2008.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819
Main Roads Minister Warren Pitt said the opening of the new footbridge was great news for tourists and the local community, who would now be able to enjoy the benefits of this new piece of infrastructure.
"The footbridge structure has been added to the existing bridge in order to improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists,” Mr Pitt said.
"With summer fast approaching, residents and visitors will now be able to safely cross the river to access the business centre, along with the excellent tourist attractions and recreational spaces that Surat has to offer.”
Main Roads Regional Director Peter Evans acknowledged the efforts of the former Warroo mayor (now Balonne Shire Council mayor ) Donna Stewart in pressing for funding for the project.
"The former Warroo Shire Council played an important role in securing the funding, as well as organising the project," Mr Evans said.
Roma Regional Council Mayor Robert Loughnan said the original Surat Bridge was built for the transportation of agricultural produce and local traffic across the Balonne River.
"Use of the bridge has expanded to include tourists, freight companies and even mobs of droving cattle – all of whom regularly cross the bridge," Cr Loughnan said.
"This new facility will completely separate pedestrians from other traffic and as such will greatly enhance the safety of all users."
Mr Pitt said the $500,000 project was a good example of how Main Roads and local governments worked together to find practical solutions to important safety issues.
The Surat footbridge was opened to the local community last month 2008.
Media contact: Minister Pitt’s Office 3227 8819