February 6, 2015
An alternative solution to the problem of the closure of Campbells Road Bridge at Silverleaf received a thumbs down from local residents during a discussion with South Burnett councillors on-site this week.
Mayor Wayne Kratzmann, Cr Kathy Duff, Cr Ros Heit and Cr Damien Tessmann met with 11 local residents at the closed bridge on Tuesday morning.
The Campbells Road Bridge, over Barambah Creek, was closed indefinitely on January 12 after a routine inspection found it was unsafe.
The closure has particularly affected landholders who have properties on either side of the creek and regularly shift farming machinery back and forth.
Councillors put a proposal to the residents that it could upgrade an alternative creek crossing on the nearby Blacks Road at the cost of about $500,000.
However, the residents said they would have to use escorts to move heavy machinery safely along Silverleaf Road. They also believed the Blacks Road Crossing route was not an all-weather option.
Council has $60,000 in its Budget allocated towards the Campbell’s Road Bridge, but the estimated cost of a replacement could be as high as $3-$4 million.
Mayor Kratzmann has said previously the bridge could only be replaced with help from the State or Federal governments.
The residents suggested the bridge be re-opened with a 5 tonne load limit. In December 2013, a 10 tonne limit was put on the bridge.
Council will investigate that option but in the meantime will proceed with geotechnical tests which will help determine what the requirements of a new bridge would be.
Related articles:
