A.  Council has been working closely with the Contractor to develop a draft work program.       

Project update

• OPEN: Stirling Park, Boyne Island footbridge - works are complete and new footbridge is open to public use.
• CLOSED: Mon 7 Apr to Mon 30 Jun: Canoe Point, Tannum Sands footbridge - bridge removal works are in progress.  

To keep our community safe, full closure of the Canoe Point footbridge is in place, with no pedestrian bridge access until about the end of June 2025. A pedestrian detour around the work area is required.

The above dates are a guide. Due to the nature of construction projects and unforeseen delays, works and timeframes may vary.    

A. Existing structures have been condition assessed, with installation of new footbridges recommended to reduce ongoing maintenance costs and improve longevity of these valuable community assets. 

We understand how useful these footbridges are to our community and appreciate the patience and understanding of the community while these necessary pedestrian bridge replacements occur. 

A. Works will involve removal of existing footbridges, installation of precast concrete bridge piles and headstock, and installation of new footbridges.

Work at both footbridges will involve:

• Mobilisation to site
• Create new access to site
• Removal of existing bridge, abutments and footings
• Site survey existing bridge line
• Installation of screw piles with concrete caps
• Survey footings and abutments
• Installation of new abutments with footing inspection
• Concrete curing time
• Bridge installation
• Demobilisation from site

A. For safety, cost and work efficiencies, complete closure of existing footbridges at Stirling Park, Boyne Island, and Canoe Point, Tannum Sands is necessary to enable removal and replacement to be planned consecutively.

Pedestrian bridge renewal works will involve heavy construction and require workers, equipment and machinery on-site during works.

Temporary construction fencing around the work areas will be in place. 

Works will involve removal of existing footbridges, installation of precast concrete bridge piles and headstock, and installation of new footbridges.

A. Works are complete on the Stirling Park footbridge and the pedestrian bridge has reopened to public use.

Due to the footbridge location at Canoe Point, while works are underway, an alternative route will need to be taken by pedestrians to avoid the works area.

Please follow any signs or directions in the areas.

A. Protecting our environment is important to Council, in all works that we undertake. Environmental management plans have been established and relevant environmental approvals have been acquired. 

Council’s Environment and Conservation team is working alongside our Project Delivery team on this project and environmental assessments of the areas have been undertaken.

The presence of flying-foxes in the area is being monitored. Council undertakes monthly monitoring of flying-fox roosts to help improve our understanding of their populations and movements. Project works, timeframes, locations and any potential impacts for flying-foxes have been considered.

Council takes a sensitive approach to vegetation clearing.

Vegetation in the areas has been condition assessed. Vegetation will only be removed where absolutely necessary and identified for targeted removal to enable works to be safely undertaken.

A. Art sculptures in the area are an initiative of the Boyne Tannum Turtleway Artscape under the Boyne Tannum Arts Business & Community Association Inc  (BTABC) and are supported by Council.

Project works will require use of heavy machinery. Council has liaised with BTABC for temporary removal and safekeeping of the Soldier Crabs and Fighting Kangaroos sculptures and plaques to avoid any damage to the art pieces during construction works.

Boyne Tannum Men’s Shed Incorporated has assisted with sculpture removal.

Overall project works are expected to be completed by the end of June.

The sculptures and plaques will later be reinstated and returned to position after nearby footbridge replacement works have been completed.

A. The Turtleway Bridges Replacement project is proudly funded by the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (LRCI) Program - Phase 4.

This allows infrastructure improvement for our region with the work to be supported by external funding, instead of being solely dependent on ratepayer dollars.

Funding eligibility requires Council to adhere to strict deadlines for completion of the works.