Fast track repairs to Alice River Bridge

Eligibility - Queensland residents
Principal Petitioner:
Mary-anne Yardley
PO Box 771
THURINGOWA CENTRAL QLD 4817
Total Signatures - 432
Sponsoring Member: Mr Nick Dametto MP
Posting Date: 18/4/2019
Closing Date: 10/6/2019
Tabled Date: 11/6/2019
Responded By: Hon Mark Bailey MP on 11/7/2019
TO: The Honourable the Speaker and Members of the Legislative Assembly of Queensland

Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House the urgent need to expedite work on repair of the Alice River Bridge, west of Townsville.

The Department of Transport and Main Roads’ timeframe of six months is unacceptable. We feel it implies we are less important than other people affected by recent natural disasters and we reject the notion that being able to access services in Townsville via Black River Road and the Bruce Highway makes it acceptable to endure a further six-month delay. Our right to convenient access to our work, education, health facilities, leisure activities, and to our families should be recognised.

The Alice River Bridge provides access to Townsville not only for those who live in the area but also many from western and north-western Queensland regions. It is also regularly used by the Australian Defence Force to access the High Range training facilities.

Increasing traffic on an already dangerous section of the Bruce Highway past Black River Road is an expensive way to solve the problem.

Importantly, the fact we have a “go around’’ is of no benefit to businesses on both sides of the bridge that are now struggling because people cannot conveniently access them. We are also concerned about increased response times for emergency services required west of Black River Road.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to take all action necessary to cause the faster repair of the Alice River Bridge.