Work to start on White Patch bridge

Photo by Mathew Lawrence

Work will begin by the end of this year to build an $8.9 million new bridge to permanently reconnect the community of White Patch to the rest of Bribie Island.

Moreton Bay City Council has awarded a tender for the bridge construction, which is expected to be finished by mid-2024.

Funding for the project has been provided by the State and Federal Governments.

An Expression of Interest (EOI) for construction of the bridge was approved in October 2022, so the new approval couldn’t come any sooner for White Patch residents.

The new bridge will provide the community with a reliable connection, improving flood resistance, after the February 2022 floods washed away the previous roadway.

Mayor Peter Flannery says the bridge will give the White Patch community greater hope during future flood season, offering them more safety and accessibility.

It will pass over Wright’s Creek, adjacent to the previous causeway, and will have a higher elevation.

“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,” he says.

“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 new bridge will also include a new shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.

‘Big win for small community’

Federal Minister for Emergency Management Senator Murray Watt says this is 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,” Mr Watt says.

Deputy Premier Steven Miles says this is 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,” he says.

“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.”

State Member for Pumicestone Ali King says the new bridge will improve safety and accessibility.

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

Councillor Brooke Savige (Div 1) says Council has worked with the State and Federal Governments to finalise the environment approvals quickly to allow work to begin.