SWEET UPGRADE FOR VITAL SUGARCANE TRANSPORT ROUTE

A KEY upgrade is now complete on the Warner Bridge near Mossman, providing a welcome boost for farmers and heavy vehicle operators just in time for the 2023 sugarcane crush.

The new bridge, which passes over Cassowary Creek on Warner Road south-east of the Far North township, now has an increased 44 tonne load limit – making it more suitable to handling heavier vehicles such as sugarcane harvesters, tractors and other machinery.

The $1.25 million bridge replacement project was jointly funded through the

Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP), with the Australian Government contributing $625,000 and Douglas Shire Council also tipping in $625,000.

The old timber bridge will remain open for passage by sugarcane trains.

Warner 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 last year, also jointly funded with the Australian Government through the BRP.

Michael Kerr said the new crossing would also reduce maintenance costs incurred by debris removal after floods.

“The new bridge is located downstream of the old timber bridge which was well overdue for an upgrade,” he said.

“It is a vital investment into a better and safer crossing for rural residents and sugarcane machinery.

“I would like to thank the Federal Government for funding this priority infrastructure.”

To find out more about Council’s projects, visit: douglas.qld.gov.au/projects/