OPINION: The community has won a major battle in their fight to restore the Old Mowbray bridge after Council today announced that it would be seeking public consultation on the construction of a new platform.

This is back tracking at its finest and “Mowbraygate” has clearly been a huge embarrassment for the Douglas Shire Council.

Last week – and without consultation including the Councillors – Council removed the old Mowbray River bridge platform after receiving an expert engineer’s report which warned of “the possibility of catastrophic failure and the potential for serious injury”.

In a media release issued this morning, a Council spokesperson said: “Council will now conduct an assessment of the structural condition of the remaining piers and prepare a report on options for a new platform and anticipated costs for the new Council.

“Council will undertake a thorough community consultation process to determine options for the replacement of a jetty as soon as all necessary technical information is available.

“It will be up to the new Council, following local government elections on March 19, to determine if the platform is to be replaced, and if so what type of structure is preferred, so this can be included in the capital works budget.”

Perhaps the most significant irony is Council finally waking up to the fact that consultation ‘with the people’ they represent is tantamount.

In this regard, this is what the same media release said: “It is well recognised that this popular fishing and viewing spot is loved by the community, and now that the safety issues have been substantially addressed, staff can plan to comprehensively consult the community with regards to desirable options for replacement, re-design or alternative locations.”

 As this issue has evolved, councillors, potential councillors and the community as a whole expressed outrage at Council’s decision. A Newsport poll revealed 89.7% said they would support Council investing in making the historic Old Mowbray Bridge safe so that it can be retained as the iconic fishing and croc viewing spot that it is popularly known for.

As we approach the March 19 election, is the Douglas Shire Council suddenly realising that communication is important? Do they finally understand that the community has an opinion?

If so, welcome to the 21st Century.