The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) announced the new Six Mile Creek Bridge #7, between Pomona and Cooran on Pomona-Kin Kin Road, is now complete, a long-fought-for project that Noosa MP Sandy Bolton says is testament to what can be achieved when a community stands together.
The sturdier bridge structure capable of transporting two lanes of traffic, removes the need for motorists to stop and give way as occurred on the former one-lane bridge, delivering greater safety for all, as well much needed improved flood immunity.
The Independent Noosa MP was also pleased to advise that following the decommissioning of the old timber bridge, TMR have ensured that any reusable timber is recycled and repurposed to help repair other bridges on the state-controlled network.
“This has been a long journey of persistence and hard work that emanated from a meeting as a Noosa Councillor with locals Phil Moran, Brian O’Connor, Stephen Hilditch and Gympie MP Tony Perrett as Pomona was in our neighboring electorate then,“ Ms Bolton said.
“When elected, I made a commitment to have this bridge replaced, and am thrilled that this has been realised. Construction started in late October 2022 and is now completed well ahead of schedule, and I thank the previous TMR Minister Mark Bailey MP and all involved from agency staff through to construction workers and contractors.”
Many longtime residents attended the opening, including Ron Green who said locals were extremely happy with the completion of the long overdue project and the safer access it provides.
“It is a great success and sincere thank you to Sandy Bolton MP and team for their time and hard work for delivering on this, in addition to the former Minister for Transport and Main Roads Mark Bailey and current Minister Bart Mellish,” Mr Green said.
In her speech at the opening, Ms Bolton spoke of the journey including meeting with residents on site, and it was good to see some available to attend this momentous occasion along with Assistant Minister Bruce Saunders.
She also ensured to make special mention of 97-year-old Jim Grant, who was the first non-construction worker to walk across the new bridge as he did at the age of nine when the original opened back in 1934.
“All the changes he and other fellow longtime residents have seen in our area over the years, and the wisdom they carry, is invaluable as we move forward.
“Thank you for the patience of those impacted by its construction as well everyone’s efforts over this long journey of many years to see this dangerous and flood-prone hotspot remedied,” Ms Bolton said.
