Healthy Natural environment
Rebuild the Nogoa River Pedestrian Bridge The Nogoa River pedestrian timber bridge was originally built as the Capricorn Highway crossing of the Nogoa River by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (DTMR). It had been used as a pedestrian bridge since the Vince Lester Bridge was constructed in 1985 and was popular as part of the walking circuit adjacent to and through the Emerald Botanic Gardens. As of 16 March 2020, DTMR and council permanently closed the bridge due its poor structural condition. The 130-metre long bridge was one of two cycling and walking crossings over the Nogoa River and was inundated during moderate flooding. The preferred solution is the construction of a low-level pedestrian crossing that matches the river and recreation environment consisting of two bridges and a connecting footpath downstream from the current bridge. The new bridges will have removable handrails to reduce damage and afflux in a river flooding event. The new bridges will be near to some scar trees, giving users the opportunity to acknowledge the aboriginal heritage of the area and providing recognition of cultural heritage in the design of the bridges or their immediate surrounds.
Success looks like... New purpose-built pedestrian and cycling bridges.
Support
The Nogoa River pedestrian bridge formed part of the weekly parkrun in the Emerald Botanic Gardens, attracting around 100 participants at each event. The bridge is adjacent to the only regionally significant park in the Central Highlands. This critical crossing is closest to the centre of Emerald and provides a north-south link between two shopping precincts. ‘Infrastructure and environment. Urban planning, design and development, walking paths and trails, bike paths, community spaces, national parks, state forests, marine parks and recreation areas.’ Activate Queensland 2019-2029
Outcome Sought
Funding of $960K is required to complete the project.
Contact
General Manager Infrastructure and Utilities Gerhard Joubert P: 07 4980 6350 E: gjoubert@chrc.qld.gov.au
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2020 State Election Advocacy Priorities
centralhighlands.qld.gov.au
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