Four key bridge replacements to strengthen regional infrastructure
Published on 10 July 2025
Residents around Gympie are set to benefit from the replacement of four wooden bridges around the region, a project already underway and scheduled for completion at the end of 2025, weather permitting.
The Timber Bridge Replacement project kicked off in October 2024 with the commencement of replacement works on the Smith Road Bridge in Woolooga, with those works to be completed in mid-July 2025, weather permitting.
The remaining three bridges set for replacement this year, are:
- Harrys Creek Road Bridge, Amamoor – works commencing late July 2025, weather permitting
- Howe Road Bridge, Traveston
- Inglewood Road Bridge, Monkland
These wooden bridges have reached end of life and have been identified for replacement based on their location and condition, ultimately reducing the ongoing maintenance needs and increase flood resilience.
Gympie Regional Council Mayor Glen Hartwig spoke about the works to enhance infrastructure around the region and create safer and more reliable bridges for residents in those locations, as well as the broader Gympie community.
“Replacing these wooden bridges will improve road safety and ensure reliable connectivity in Gympie. The amount of wear and tear caused by the rainfall and extreme weather events, has now developed into a safety issue.” Cr Hartwig said.
“We also recognise that upgrading to concrete bridges will reduce the number of maintenance needs and enhance flood resilience in these areas, which is a commonsense outcome for residents.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and thank the Australian Government for their support in funding these critical improvements.” Said Mayor Hartwig.
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain said the Albanese Government is committed to strengthening regional infrastructure so communities like Gympie are better protected and connected, especially in the face of increasingly frequent severe weather.
“These new bridges will make a real difference to safety and reliability for the local community who rely on these roads every day,” Minister McBain said.
“Replacing ageing timber bridges with stronger, more flood-resilient structures is a smart and necessary investment in the region’s future.
“We’re proud to be partnering with all levels of government to deliver upgrades that support local jobs and help communities recover and rebuild stronger.”
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said keeping key supply routes and community infrastructure open was essential when extreme weather strikes.
“Queensland’s recent flood events again underlined how vulnerable communities are when they are isolated by key supply routes being cut off,” Minister Leahy said.
“There is no denying the value of having fit-for-purpose infrastructure that supports communities and enables them to continue functioning through all conditions.
“Gympie Regional Council knows the importance of keeping its community safe by investing in projects that build resilience, and the Crisafulli Government continues to support them and other Queensland councils in their efforts to deliver better and stronger infrastructure.”
These upgrades are made possible by a $7.3 million investment from a number of funding sources including the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA), the Australian Government Black Summer Bushfire Recovery (BSBR) grant program, the Australian Government Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) and Gympie Regional Council.
For further information visit councils project page, https://www.gympie.qld.gov.au/bridge-replacement-project