OPINION: Shock, horror and disgust has greeted Douglas Shire Council’s decision to immediately remove the old Mowbray Bridge structure and local fishing spot off the Captain Cook Highway.

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.

Newsport has been swamped with letters from its readers, none more scathing from sitting Councillor Terry Melchert who first heard of the “immediate closure” by way of a press release emailed to the media, which was back copied to Councillors.

“Unfortunately this type of thing is happening all too often and I will be immediately requesting the Mayor to obtain a report from the CEO on why we were not given a full report on the immediate closure; why the creek access road has to be closed as well as the bridge deck removal; and what thought has been put into some sort of replacement structure or deck on the bridge,” wrote Melchert in his letter to the editor (of Newsport).

He added: “I can certainly understand the concerns expressed by people regarding the lack of consultation. I am certainly a member of the same club on this one.”

In a Newsport poll, which asked the question: Would you support Council investing in making the Old Mowbray Bridge safe for use for local fisherman, an overwhelming 88.1% voted in favour, with 11.9% against.

With the March 19 election looming, you can only hope that the public is waking up to the fact that Council’s transparency and accountability is in question. This is clearly highlighted by Councillor Melchert’s angst and for having the courage of his convictions.

Once again the biggest losers are the locals, who are truly baffled by the decision.

“A very short-sighted and mean-spirited decision by Council. One less recreational activity facility when we have so few for local families,” said one in a letter to the editor (of Newsport).

And by all accounts, the decision is final: “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,” said Council’s Hoye.

This decision cannot be taken lightly and Douglas Shire residents need to start thinking seriously about the upcoming election.

They cannot be complacent.

They need to elect people who will challenge the system.

The free ride has to end. We need to know what’s happening in our Shire.

It is critical to bear in mind that whoever wins on March 19; has four years in office.

And four years is a lengthy period.