The constant flooding of Bushy Creek Bridge near Julatten has been cutting off one of the only two access routes from the south into Douglas Shire regularly once again this wet season, prompting renewed community calls for all levels of government to work together to fix the issue.

Several community members have spoken to Newsport about their ongoing frustration that the Mossman-to-Mount-Molloy Road is so often cut off.

They said through traffic can often not cross and the bridge needs to be raised.

Cook MP David Kempton, who said before the last state election in 2024 his party was committed to raising the bridge higher, last week vowed to lobby the state Transport and Main Roads Department as part of a review of several bridges in the region.

And today Mr Kempton is leading the first of a series of meetings designed to seek advice on local roads from community members and interest groups.

Mr Kempton said he had established a Regional Roads Advisory Group to ensure our region’s critical infrastructure receives the attention and action it urgently needs.

“I am very aware of the Bushy Creek Bridge and have visited the site on multiple occasions,” Mr Kempton said. 

“I have taken direct action by establishing a Regional Roads Advisory Group to ensure critical infrastructure issues like Bushy Creek receive the priority they deserve.” 

Mr Kempton said the first RRAG meeting is being held today to formally establish the committee, and he encouraged community members to take part and have their voices heard.

“I understand that the Department of Transport and Main Roads is undertaking a full review of the McLeod River, Rifle Creek and Spear Creek bridges, and I am advocating to ensure Bushy Creek Bridge and other high-risk locations receive urgent attention and decisive outcomes,” he said.

A Federal Government spokesperson said there were various funding opportunities to help local governments with road infrastructure priorities.

“Local Government Authorities are eligible to apply for funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, which provides $200 million per year to support the delivery of safer and more productive roads across Australia,” they said.

 “This is an application-based, merit-assessed program with a co-contribution requirement, and provides up to $5 million in Australian Government funding per project.

“Mareeba Shire Council is welcome to submit an application under the current funding tranche, which closes on 30 April.”