A $1 million pedestrian and cycle bridge will be built across Cabbage Tree Creek – improving accessibility to the $6.5 million Carseldine Urban Village sport and recreation precinct, which is currently under construction.
Member for Aspley Bart Mellish said the bridge will divert locals away from nearby roads and give them safe, direct access to sporting activities and transport.
"While it is discouraged, we know that students and residents regularly use a water pipe to cross the creek, or they walk along the busy Dorville and Beams Roads," Mr Mellish said.
"Soon though, they'll be able to walk or cycle across a new footbridge, allowing them to move seamlessly between the school, the sports fields and Carseldine train station.
"The new bridge will also connect to existing cycling infrastructure around Cabbage Tree Creek.
"The proposal includes lighting, so we'll have a better and safer integration of the school, the village precinct and the broader community, and we'll see more people on their bikes, using public transport, and taking advantage of our green space, which is a real win for the community."
Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick praised the work of the local member in securing the bridge for his community.
"Bart Mellish has listened to the people of Carseldine and fought hard to get this bridge built," Mr Dick said.
"Construction will kick off later this year, with works to support three jobs."
The project will be funded through the Palaszczuk Government's Growth Area and Regional Infrastructure Investment Fund ($900,000), with the additional $100,000 coming from Queensland's Department of Education.
Minister for Education Grace Grace said she was happy to pitch in $100,000 towards the project, as well as the small amount of land required, after the issue was raised by Mr Mellish.
"I'm pleased that this bridge will provide a safe link for students to travel between Aspley State High School and the new sports fields," Ms Grace said.
Aspley State High School Principal Jacquita Miller welcomed the Queensland Government's funding for the new bridge.
"This new bridge will create an opportunity to supplement the school's current sports facilities with the new Carseldine Urban Village sports precinct during major sporting carnivals," Ms Miller said.
"It will also encourage students to take part in extra-curricular sporting activities outside of what the school offers, enhancing a healthy lifestyle and broadening their community connections."
Construction on the bridge is set to commence in late 2019 and will take approximately three months to complete (excluding offsite fabrication).
A tender for the work will be issued through QTenders in the coming months.
