The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) have announced the new Six Mile Creek Bridge #7, between Pomona and Cooran on Pomona-Kin Kin Road, is now complete. This successful, long fought for project is a testament to what can be achieved when a community stands together, with grassroots advocacy from many including Sandy.
The sturdier bridge structure is capable of transporting two lanes of traffic (one lane in each direction), removing the need for motorists to stop and give way, delivering greater safety for all, as well much needed improved flood immunity.
We are 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.
Many longtime residents attended the official opening including Ron Green who provided the following statement:
“It’s a long overdue project that the locals are extremely happy with, giving safe access to essential services in town. 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.”
In her speech at the opening, Sandy 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 ninety seven 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.
Sandy said the following in a recent media statement:
“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. 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.”
“All the changes 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.”
Further Information
For anyone who would like to learn more on the history of this bridge including all the efforts to have it replaced, please visit www.sandybolton.com/?s=six+mile+bridge.
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