A new bridge over the Flinders River at the Punchbowl Crossing, approximately 40kms North East of Julia Creek, is due for construction later in 2016. In January 2016, McKinlay Shire Council was advis
A new bridge over the Flinders River at the Punchbowl Crossing, approximately 40kms North East of Julia Creek, is due for construction later in 2016.
In January 2016, McKinlay Shire Council was advised that they were successful in their application to the Federal Government’s Bridge Renewal Program and will receive funding of $1.7 million.
In an announcement from the Queensland State Government on 5th February 2016, McKinlay Shire Council was advised that their application submitted in September 2015 for $1.4 million through the Community Resilience Fund was also successful. The total project cost is $3.5 million for this shovel ready project.
A Council spokesperson said, “Both lines of funding committed will significantly lessen the impact on ratepayers for this critical infrastructure. This new bridge will enhance the access to community members who are often cut off during wet season rain due to the waters exceeding the height of the current bridge.”
“Further, the new bridge will have a greater load limit thus reducing the number of diversions that heavy vehicles such as cattle trucks have to make,” the Council spokesperson added.