New creek crossing for flood-affected community
Published 05 May 2023
The small community of White Patch is one step closer to being reconnected to the rest of Bribie Island for good after Council awarded a tender for the concrete deck that will form the base of a new bridge over Wrights Creek.
Mayor Peter Flannery said it comes after the previous crossing was a causeway that was swept away during the devastating floods of February 2022, leaving residents cut off from the rest of Moreton Bay.
“The people of White Patch have been through enough uncertainty since February 2022, so I’m glad Council can get on with building a bridge that will improve the flood immunity and resilience of the crossing,” he said.
“White Patch was the first community I visited during the floods to see how we could help them and the resilience and patience they showed was incredible considering the circumstances.
“Council and the SES transported supplies into the isolated community by boat, while we got to work constructing a temporary causeway which was up and running within 96 hours of the original structure being swept away.
“That temporary solution has served the community well, but this new bridge will be a more permanent structure that will stand the test of time and provide more certainty for the people of White Patch over the long-term.
“This project is thanks to the Australian and Queensland Governments’ Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements which has fully funded the project in response to last year’s floods.
“Council is currently working with the State and Federal Government’s to finalise approval applications for the construction of the bridge, with the aim to complete it by June 2024.”
Pumicestone MP Ali King said it was great to see recovery works continue on White Patch Esplanade Bridge and Road Construction project.
“The Queensland Reconstruction Authority (QRA) has committed an amazing $8.9 million for the White Patch Esplanade Bridge and Road Construction works through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements,” she said.
“Both the Queensland Government and the Federal Government are committed to helping Moreton Bay residents get back on their feet as quickly as possible, and thanks to the Council who’ve done amazing work to support the people of White Patch since the floods last year.
“It shows that no community is too big or small when it comes to disaster recovery support. I can’t wait to see the works finally completed for White Patch residents who’ve already been through so much.”
Councillor Brooke Savige said she was pleased to see all three levels of government working together to provide a solution for White Patch residents.
“Procuring the precast concrete bridge deck units ahead of the construction was a vital step to ensure the build is as smooth as possible, so Council can get on with the job of delivering a new bridge for the people of White Patch,” she said.
“We have already received $2.4 million of the total funding from the QRA to keep this project ticking along, which we are incredibly grateful for.
“This is also a win for the environment, because a bridge will allow the creek to flow more steadily than the previous causeway.”