Flood resilience the focus for new White Patch Bridge

Published 01 October 2024

Flood resilience is never a bridge too far after construction of a brand-new $8.9 million crossing for the community of White Patch on Bribie Island is finalised.

The project is fully funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements program in response to the 2022 floods.

The 2022 floods were devastating for many people in Moreton Bay especially the White Patch community which was isolated and severely affected after the only entrance to the area was washed away during the vicious weather.

The new two-lane bridge has been raised to a higher level and will significantly increase flood resilience for the Wrights Creek crossing.

It also includes greater accessibility for locals, with a new approach road that includes connections to shared pathways and the rehabilitation of vegetation disturbed from the flooding.

Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister:

“We are proud to be supporting City of Moreton Bay and the Miles Government to deliver such an important betterment project for the community of White Patch.

“By delivering these upgrades to the White Patch Bridge, locals will be able to maintain access across Wrights Creek, even during more severe weather events.

“Building back damaged infrastructure to be more resilient makes economic sense, reduces the impact on communities, and helps them to recover faster.”

Quotes attributable to Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Nikki Boyd:

“The Miles Government has worked closely with the Albanese Government and City of Moreton Bay to recover and build White Patch Bridge back better.

“Constructed around the same time as the Bribie Island Bridge, the White Patch crossing has been an important community asset for more than 60 years.

“By building higher and wider, the bridge is more accessible, resilient and better able to stand-up to the flooding that washed the original structure away.

“As we Get Ready for summer storm season, the new bridge delivers peace-of-mind for residents isolated by the 2022 floods.”     

Quotes attributable to Moreton Bay Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway:

“It was a remarkable story of community spirit as Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island, SES, Unitywater, National Parks and Council all worked together to deliver vital supplies to the flood-stricken and isolated community of White Patch by boat and using a remote overland track.

“Council staff worked day and night to build a temporary causeway within 96 hours of the previous one being washed away, which has gallantly served its purpose for the community until now.

“But today, I’m proud to say the White Patch community has a brand-new bridge over Wrights Creek, thanks to $8.9 million Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements from the Australian and Queensland Governments.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Pumicestone Ali King:

“This new White Patch Bridge is a good example of all three levels of Government working in partnership to recover from disasters and build better resilience into our infrastructure.

“White Patch Bridge has been designed with weather, Bribie Island’s unique environment and local residents in mind.

“It re-establishes an easy recreation link between White Patch and Banksia Beach and the movement of fish and tides from the creek to the passage.

“The bridge has been built higher, making the structure more resilient to future extreme weather and that’s great news for both residents and visitors.”

Quotes attributable to Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1):

“Previously, residents were forced to cross the old causeway by walking on the road, which was far more dangerous and inaccessible.

“We took that into account when designing the new bridge and took the opportunity to provide better safety and amenity for pedestrians and cyclists.

“It’s certainly a silver-lining to the whole project that will provide a huge upgrade to liveability for locals.”