Over $4 million is set to be spent on vital hinterland infrastructure this financial year, with the awarding of the construction tender for the replacement of the Tablelands Bridge B in Cooran and Wahpunga Lane Bridge in Kin Kin.
Construction company SGQ Pty Ltd has been awarded the contract to replace the bridges.
Council’s Director Infrastructure Services, Larry Sengstock, said this contract would deliver much-needed infrastructure improvements to the Hinterland.
“The replacement of each of the timber, single-lane bridges with a wider concrete, single-lane bridge in line with current standards will improve access and safety,” Mr Sengstock said.
“The new bridges will also have the added bonus of less maintenance, and a design life of 100 years.
“The work will not only benefit residents, but also the many visitors that frequent these popular areas, which are home to the Noosa Trail Network and the James McKane Lookout.”
Mr Sengstock said Council appreciated the Cooran and Kin Kin communities were keen to see work get underway.
“The tender process took longer than expected but it was important Council took the time to conduct further investigations for these complex projects before proceeding with awarding the tender,” Mr Sengstock said.
Some of the additional issues investigated included considerations of resident access during construction, environment and native title, site constraints and lead time for ordering construction materials in a heated market.
“Construction will start on the bridges in October, with Tablelands Bridge expected to be finished this calendar year and Wahpunga Lane Bridge by the end of this financial year.
“One of the first tasks SGQ has been asked to do is to check in with residents, as working with the local communities to minimise construction impacts is a high priority.
“SGQ has proven expertise in delivering work in the Noosa area, with the recent construction of the Orealla Crescent Bridge over David Low Way at Sunrise Beach, and we look forward to working with them again on this project.”
The Hinterland Bridge replacement project is a joint initiative of the Australian Government and the Noosa Council as part of the Bridges Renewal Program. The Australian Government has contributed $2 million of funding to this project.
