Bridge causing a beach divide

IT’S a bridge dividing two northern beach communities.

The $6 million structure is proposed to link Machans and Holloways beaches.

Cairns Regional Council is confident of approval from the Queensland planning regulator, the State Assessment Referral Authority, which knocked it back last year.

The council says it will answer any queries from the authority in four weeks but has voted to award the $6 million contract to Davbridge Constructions for an August 2021 completion date.

The bridge is the southern end of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail.

But some residents don’t want the bridge across Barr Creek to bring the beachside communities together.

Some argue it will be environmentally damaging as well as marring the natural beauty and detract from people enjoying the

Barr Creek delta.

Opponents claim it will pass directly through the Holloways

Beach dune revegetation area causing initial destruction and ongoing stress to an already fragile natural environment.

They also say it is also likely to require ongoing expensive repairs due to damage from tidal movements, especially king tides.

Others say it will give criminals an easy escape route or allow them good access to both suburbs.

In many ways the northern beaches suburbs are valued for their separation without any direct links except via the main highway.

Their individuality is jealously guarded by residents with creeks providing barriers to comfortable crossings.

The bridge was never going to please everyone but avid walkers, runners and cyclists will love it.

Nick Dalton

Deputy editor