New bridge approved for flood-affected community

Published 31 August 2023

Work will begin on a new bridge to permanently reconnect the suburb of White Patch to the rest of Bribie Island thanks to $8.9 million worth of funding through the State and Federal Governments.

Council has awarded a tender for construction to begin on the new bridge by the end of 2023 with the aim to be completed by mid-2024.  

Mayor Peter Flannery said the new structure would provide the community with stability knowing that this project would greatly improve flood resilience, after the 2022 floods that swept away the previous causeway. 

“The people of White Patch showed an enormous amount of resilience when their only road in and out of the suburb was washed away during the devastating February 2022 floods,” he said. 

“So it’s fitting that we’re now able to deliver a new bridge that will embody that spirit by improving local flood resilience during future weather events. 

“The new bridge will pass over Wright’s Creek adjacent to the previous causeway and will have a higher elevation providing immunity to the 1 in 100 Annual Exceedance Probability flood.  
 “This means the people of White Patch will have greater access in and out of the suburb during significant flooding events, and the new structure will be able to withstand even larger floods.  

“We’re thankful that this project has been fully funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) thanks to the State and Federal Governments.” 

The bridge will also include new shared pathway for pedestrians and bicycles. 

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt said this was a big win for a small community. 

“By investing in this piece of infrastructure now, we can hopefully shield the community against future events for many decades to come,” he said. 

“The Albanese Government is pleased to partner with the Palaszczuk Government and the City of Moreton Bay in delivering this important upgrade. 

“The significant works that will be undertaken in White Patch will mean that locals can continue about their everyday lives during wet weather events.” 

Deputy Premier Steven Miles said this was a great example of all three levels of government working together to provide a solution for the community. 

“This project shows the community that there is no project too big or too small when it comes to disaster recovery in Queensland,” Mr Miles said. 

“We’re committed to ensuring Queenslanders are able to get back on their feet following what has been a truly disastrous time for some residents in the community.

“Council have done a great job supporting the people of White Patch by providing on the ground supplies when they were cut off and rebuilding a temporary causeway within 96 hours of the original structure being washed away - it was a truly amazing effort.” 

Member for Pumicestone Ali King said the new bridge would improve safety and accessibility for the White Patch community. 

“This is part of our commitment to build back better than ever before,” Ms King said.

“The new White Patch bridge will be a great addition to our community, withstanding future floods and providing a path for walkers and cyclists.

“Bribie locals showed a lot of resilience during last year’s floods. So it’s great we can deliver funding toward a new better and stronger bridge.”

Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1) said Council had worked with both the State and Federal Governments to finalise the environment approvals in a timely fashion to allow work to begin. 

“It was important that we get works underway as soon as we could to provide certainty for the people of White Patch, while also considering the environmental impacts to the area,” she said. 

“We’ve worked diligently with both levels of government to tick all the environmental approvals and the great news is that the bridge will actually deliver enhanced environmental outcomes as it will improve the tidal exchange and fish passage between Pumicestone Passage and Wrights Creek. 

“A Construction Environmental Management Plan will be provided to Council to ensure that this is a win for both the community and the native flora and fauna that call Bribie Island home.”