VIDEO | Local 'resident' likes new Mowbray pedestrian bridge

Mowbray Bridge

Jeremy Lebeuf

Feature Writer

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Keen locals have returned to the popular Mowbray River pedestrian bridge for fishing and croc-spotting with one local snapping some spectacular video of a resident apex predator looking on.

The already well-used new platform will commence its second stage with works to be started on the car park 28 April while one end of the bridge remains closed, there has yet to be any notice of an “official grand” opening for the new pedestrian bridge.

A spokesperson for the Department of State Development, Tourism and Innovation said the next step of the process is the car park and road works that are required for safety.

“Discussions regarding the ongoings remain afoot with Council, no official opening has yet to be planned,” said the spokesperson. 

The Old Mowbray fishing jetty was removed in February 2016 after inspections revealed a risk of catastrophic failure due to damaged girders and poor condition.

In June 2020 on an inspection of the first stage of construction with Tourism Minister, Kate Jones, Douglas Shire Mayor Michael Kerr said it’s extremely important to have projects like this to entice new people to come to the region.

“This is a fantastic asset not only for tourists but also for the locals.”

Mayor Kerr said where the pedestrian bridge is being built was in the past a popular fishing deck for locals, so to be able to have that back once construction is complete will be a great asset.

Locals have already begun to access the dedicated crocodile viewing platform. Image: Supplied

“It’s a great spot for young kids to be able to ride their bikes from Port Douglas to this bridge and safely fish," Mayor Kerr said.

The $5.7 million project at the ‘Mowbray North’ section of the Wangetti Trail, featuring a 2.25 km mangrove experience boardwalk and 5km walking trail to Four Mile Beach is part of the 94 km Wangetti biking and hiking trail set to be built between Palm Cove and Port Douglas.

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