The old Mowbray Bridge structure and local fishing spot off the Captain Cook Highway will be removed immediately due to safety concerns.

General Manager Operations Paul Hoye said Council has received a report from a consultant engineer which recommends the immediate removal of the timber structure due to significant risk of personal injury.

“Council closed the old bridge last year and installed a barrier to prevent access but people are still climbing onto it and putting themselves at great risk due to the significant disrepair of the structure,” Mr Hoye said.

“In light of this latest expert engineer report, Council will take immediate steps to remove the structure and permanently close the access road which also poses a danger to motorists using the highway.

“A crane will be utilised in the coming days to dismantle the structure and following this the access road will be closed permanently.”