“We have sought legal advice and explored a number of avenues and we strongly believe that we have a strong case to prevent this development from going ahead,” the spokesperson said.

Residents in the valley yesterday received notice from Douglas Shire Council that there will be a temporary closure of the Diggers Bridge from Monday July 30 to August 10.

Titled Diggers Bridge Temporary Closure, it stated, in part: “Diggers Bridge on Mowbray River Road will be closed for up to two weeks as the construction stage of a new bridge starts. During this time, the site office and perimeter fencing will be installed and site preparation completed.

“Diggers Bridge will be re-opened on Saturday August 11, and will remain in service throughout the five-month construction period, apart from two temporary closures of 2-3 days which residents will be advised of ahead of time.”

In a media statement, Council did not specify when construction would start, but the expectation is early August.

And while the Raintrees Group await their legal options, they are still smarting at the lack of transparency and limited community involvement.

“Council cannot tell us the start date; when the decision notice will be released; how many and which trees will be removed; they rejected our mediation request and did not say on what grounds; and why they did not choose to go for the safer and cheaper single lane option versus a dual lane.

“What has added to the frustration is that there have been so many questions, and limited answers. If there had been appropriate consultation and transparency from the outset, we could have avoided this backlash and anger from many of the residents,” the spokesperson said.

Newsport, meanwhile, was advised a few weeks ago that there may be protests, and the Raintrees Group spokesperson said there had been talk of some people doing something.

“This may be driven by others, but this is not part of our core group.”

Architect and one of the valley’s biggest landowners, Gary Hunt, said once the machinery moves in, there will be action.

“I do not know the extent of any protests, but if I am anywhere near the site, I will let people know of Council’s flawed decision. Their actions are deplorable and there is widespread disgust in how they handled matters,” he said.

The lack of consultation among the Mowbray Valley residents is clearly the major bone of contention.

“I am disappointed at the process. There was no attempt from Council to reach common ground. Council made their decision and they would not listen to us. This was most disappointing,” said Susie McMahon, a valley resident.

Council, meanwhile, said in their media statement, they had successfully convinced the Queensland Government to remove the condition requiring the removal of the existing Diggers Bridge and it will be preserved as a pedestrian and cycle way.

Mayor Julia Leu said Council fought hard to preserve this idyllic bridge as a long-term recreational site for fishers, walkers and cyclists.
  
“Removing this condition also means significantly less disruption for local residents and businesses during the construction period,” she said.

Leu said the project has been through a rigorous environmental approval process, which included an independent assessment by a reputable ecologist.

“Council will plant a suitable native species to boost biodiversity, stabilize the riverbank and preserve the visual aesthetics of the area. A qualified arborist and botanist will work closely with the principal contractors to oversee environmental protection, grubbing and vegetation works.”

PROJECT BACKGROUND

But the Raintrees Group spokesperson said it is criminal to destroy the environment along with the integrity of the river system.

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