Construction of long awaited, much discussed Noah Creek bridge hits further hurdles
BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION
Construction on one of the most discussed, much awaited and hotly anticipated projects in the Daintree will remain parked for the foreseeable future.
Locals have been crying out and waiting for years for a new or upgraded Noah Creek bridge but setback after setback has prevented it from becoming a reality.
As it stands some final key hurdles are currently preventing the upgrades from getting underway.
“Most of the precast concrete elements (e.g., decks, headstocks and abutments) have been manufactured and delivered to Council’s depot in Mossman” a Douglas Shire spokesperson told Newsport.
“All the land on the southern approach to Noah Creek necessary to construct the new bridge has been secured as has an agreement in principle with the Department of Environment and Science for to purchase a portion of the Daintree National Park to the north.
“All environmental approvals, including those with Wet Tropics have been finalised.
“Currently the Cultural Heritage Management Plan remains outstanding and until this is received, no construction work on site can commence.
“The archaeologist, originally contracted by a Queensland wide heritage consultancy, has been unable deliver their report due to illness. The heritage consultants are seeking a replacement archaeologist to complete the work.”
An ongoing consideration to any future build is confirmation that an area close to the bridge has been determined as sacred.
“An area spanning an estimated 80 metres has been identified as having significance to Traditional Owners,” the spokesperson said.
“It does impact on the road alignment and how this area can be accommodated will be addressed in the Cultural Heritage Management Plan.”