DOUGLAS Shire Council is determined to begin construction on a new fishing platform at the Old Mowbray Bridge site next year.??

The removal of the remnants of the old iconic bridge due to safety concerns caused an uproar in the community in February, with some councillors even blindsided by the decision.??But plans are moving forward on a new structure that aims to cater for the fishing community and tourists who use the site for crocodile sight-seeing.

Douglas Shire Manager for Infrastructure, Michael Kriedemann, told Newsport council was keen to collaborate with the community before building a new structure.??“Council is in the process of carrying out some preliminary investigations in regards to the proposed Old Mowbray Bridge Fishing Platform,” Kriedemann said.

?“Our aim is to seek community feedback on the project, including potential designs, before the end of this year.

“We will then seek to incorporate the relevant feedback into the final design and begin construction in 2017.”

RELATED COVERAGE:

• Old Mowbray Bridge structure to be removed
• Councillors in the dark as old Mowbray Bridge comes down
• CEO defends her decision to remove historic Mowbray Bridge
• Election candidates weigh in on Old Mowbray Bridge outcry
• OPINION: Council backtracks on Old Mowbray Bridge

??The removal of the fishing platform earlier this year hasn’t deterred visitors from using the Mowbray River to catch a glimpse of crocodiles in their natural habitat. Cars are regularly seen parked on the side of the Captain Cook Highway, with occupants walking onto the main bridge despite the warning signs.??

Newsport is asking readers to share their ideas on how the new structure should look at the former fishing site, and the considerations needed, such as parking.??Share your thoughts in the comments below.