COMMUNITY CELEBRATES OPENING OF PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE

Community members and local representatives were on hand on 11 July to open the newly constructed pedestrian bridge that spans the North Maroochy River, near Seib Rd at Eumundi. Local Anne Doubleday cut the first half of the ribbon to mark the occasion, followed by local Member for Ninderry, Dan Purdie MP and Cr David Law, completing the cutting.

The 300m of pathway and boardwalk took approximately 7 months to complete, and provides pedestrians with a safer crossing option, replacing the previously used narrow road shoulder.

Dan Purdie highlighted the community's longstanding demand for a pedestrian solution in the area. "Since being elected 7 years ago, I have stood side-by-side with the community to fight for funding to build a dedicated pedestrian bridge. I even filmed the dangers of crossing the existing bridge myself using a GoPro to illustrate how pedestrians, cyclists and cars had to fight for their own space to cross. This new pedestrian bridge is a game-changer for the local community, making it easier and safer for residents to walk or cycle into town rather than drive, reducing the number of cars on the road.”

Dan Purdie emphasised the bridge's impact on accessibility and liveability, particularly for families and school children who now have a much safer route. He also noted the importance of ensuring the safety of visitors to the popular Eumundi Markets, with the new infrastructure enhancing connectivity and visitor experience.

The project was funded equally by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and the Australian Government under the Road Safety Program. TMR collaborated with Sunshine Coast Council (SCC) on the design, with SCC leading the construction.

A highlight of the construction phase was the lifting of the 30.2-tonne bridge into place as a single component, necessitating the overnight closure of Eumundi Noosa Rd. The bridge's large single span was designed to minimise impacts on the waterway during floods, with the absence of pylons reducing interruptions to water flow and upstream river levels.

The bridge was painted off-site with a protective paint system designed to last many years before requiring maintenance. Additional safety improvements included asphalt resurfacing and an improved right-turn facility for eastbound traffic turning into Seib Rd.

SCC Div10 Cr David Law expressed satisfaction with the collaborative effort of 3 levels of government in building the new link for the community. "This bridge isn’t just about infrastructure, it’s about people. It’s about making sure our kids can walk to school safely, that families can enjoy a stroll into town, and that everyone in Eumundi feels more connected. Projects like this demonstrate what is possible when we listen to our community and work together to achieve real outcomes. I am proud to see this long-awaited bridge become a reality, making a meaningful difference in the daily lives of many residents."