Bridge is back - higher and stronger

The new $8.9 million White Patch bridge has been opened - more than two years after the only entrance to the area was washed away.

Many in Moreton Bay were hit hard by the February 2022 floods, especially White Patch which was cut off for 96 hours when the old crossing disappeared.

Construction has raised the level of the new bridge and significantly increased flood resilience for Wrights Creek crossing on Bribie Island.

The two-lane bridge also has greater accessibility, with a new approach road that includes connections to shared pathways and new vegetation.

White Patch's old crossing was built in the 1960s, around the same time as Bribie Island Bridge, with pedestrians having to walk along the road.

The new bridge was funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements program.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Jenny McAllister said building more resilient infrastructure “makes economic sense” and “reduced the impact on communities”.

Nikki Boyd, State Disaster Recovery Minister, said the bridge brings “peace of mind” for residents, while Member for Pumicestone Ali King said it was designed with the “weather, environment and residents” in mind.

Acting Mayor Jodie Shipway recalled the “community spirit” as Volunteer Marine Rescue Bribie Island, SES, Unitywater, National Parks and Council got supplies to White Patch by boat and a remote overland track after the floods.

Cr Brooke Savige (Div 1) added that a “silver-lining” to the project was the “huge upgrade to liveability for locals.”