Following a jointly funded upgrade from Douglas Shire Council and the Federal Government, Warners Bridge, near Mossman, now has an increased 44t load limit – making it more suitable to handle heavier vehicles such as sugarcane harvesters, tractors and other machinery.
The completion of the upgrade will provide a welcome boost for farmers and heavy vehicle operators just in time for the 2023 sugarcane crush.
The $1.25 million bridge replacement project was jointly funded through the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP), with the government contributing $625,000 and Douglas Shire Council $625,000.
The old timber bridge will remain open for passage by sugarcane trains.
Warners Bridge is the second rural crossing in the region to recently receive an upgrade, after Council completed the new Anich’s Bridge on Finlayvale Road in 2022, also jointly funded with the Federal Government through the BRP.
Applications for BRP funding are accepted all year round from state, territory and local governments, to provide flexibility and allow projects to be submitted when they will most likely benefit the community.
Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, and Member for Eden-Monaro, the Hon Kristy McBain MP, said, “Having fit-for-purposes bridges is critical to safe roads and thriving industry in our regional communities, which is why we’re committing up to $85 million per year towards our Bridges Renewal Program.
“Our $625,000 investment in the Warners Bridge replacement project will benefit farmers and locals in this sugarcane heartland, by keeping our freight industry moving and improving the road network for heavy vehicle drivers.
“I’m proud we could partner with the Douglas Shire Council to deliver this region-shaping project, and I look forward to supporting more vital regional infrastructure improvements across the country.”
Douglas Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Kerr, thanked the Federal Government for its contribution in funding the project.
“The new bridge is located downstream of the old timber bridge, which was well overdue for an upgrade,” Mayor Kerr said.
“It is a vital investment into a better and safer crossing for rural residents and sugarcane machinery.”
