A community group says a bridge railing flattened by floodwater highlights a need for an all-weather active transport route to town.
A railing on the downstream side of the footbridge over the South Maroochy River at Yandina was pushed over by flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred.
Sunshine Coast Council says the railing is designed to collapse in floodwater and be re-erected afterwards but a section will require repair this time.
The footbridge sits to the east of, and lower than, the James Low Bridge for traffic on the Nambour Connection Road.
The Yandina and District Community Association contends that the bridge floods regularly and the Alfred-induced incident highlights the need for a new ‘green bridge’ for pedestrians and cyclists.
YADCA president Marie Reeve said the association had identified a need for an at-grade foot and cycle bridge next to the James Low Bridge 24 years ago.
The council says funding for additional or replacement footbridges will be a matter for consideration as part of council’s future capital works program.
After being told by the Department of Transport and Main Roads that there is no funding to progress the idea, YADCA has sent a submission to Member for Nicklin Marty Hunt and Transport and Main Roads Minister Brent Mickelberg lobbying for the bridge.
YADCA submits that a green bridge is a necessary link in an active transport infrastructure upgrade connecting footpaths in Yandina.
It says the current footbridge, metres below road level, is not visible, not sign-posted and not easily accessed from the footpath or road verge on the western side of Nambour Connection Road.
The submission says the bridge is on the opposite side of the road to the local supermarket, children’s park and sports fields, “forcing all active transport users that cross the river to also criss-cross the main road”.
It describes the bridge as inaccessible for the elderly, people with mobility challenges, parents with infants in prams and young school children on scooters and bikes.
Mr Hunt has endeavoured to put the ‘green bridge’ on the Transport Minister’s agenda.
“Nicklin has been neglected by 10 years of Labor governments and we are well behind in regard to our transport infrastructure,” Mr Hunt said.
“I will continue to advocate for our community needs, understanding there is an infinite need with finite resources as the same Labor governments have left the state in a precarious financial position.
“We have priority projects in Nicklin that we committed to prior to the election, including upgrading dangerous intersections, but I have also submitted to the Minister for Transport other projects for consideration in our community, including the footbridge in Yandina.”
Sunshine Coast News has sought comment from TMR and Mr Mickelberg.
YADCA points out that the developer of a 246-lot subdivision at south-west Yandina is required to build an active transport path, “however the path stops south of the James Low Bridge with no safe connection to town”.
“The timely provision of a west-aligned road-level ‘green bridge’ and pathway providing convenient, all-ability access into the Yandina CBD will ensure people and families moving into their new neighbourhood do not become car-dependent but, right from the get-go, choose to walk/cycle/scoot to the shops, school, parks and sporting events or to visit friends and family,” it said.
