Local farmers will soon have a safe access bridge thanks to $160,000 of funding that will upgrade the Cantamessa Road Bridge that was badly damaged during 2017 Tropical Cyclone Debbie.
The bridge is a primary access point for farmers transporting heavy equipment and machinery during wet season and Councillor Gary Simpson, who is also a cane farmer, said he is pleased to see the upgrade finally underway.
“Some people think it is only a little bridge for a few farmers,” said Cr Simpson.
“But it has been an access point for over 50 years, and it helps to keep slow-moving tractors off the roads.
“It’s a big thing for these farmers and I am thankful it is finally happening.”
Local farmer Russell Biggs said that there is simply too much traffic to safely navigate Shute Harbour Road and, without the bridge, he has to take a back road which takes a lot longer.
“It’s all about safety,” he said.
“We have to transport many oversized vehicles so the less we have to be on the highway the better.
“The Cantamessa Road Bridge is a convenient way to get all our equipment off the road, so these upgrades are a big win for us.”
The bridge also acts as a second access point on the rare occasion that there is an accident on Strathdickie Road.
The Queensland Resilience and Risk Reduction Fund (QRRRF) have provided $144,000 of funding for the upgrades and the Whitsunday Regional Council have contributed the remaining $16,000.
Brendan Nothard, Steven Cantamessa, Michael Cantamessa, Glen Clarke, Russell Biggs and Councillor Gary Simpson. Photo supplied
