Construction of a new 80-metre, two-lane bridge at Casuarina Street, Holloways Beach, will begin later this year to permanently restore access to properties cut off by severe flooding in late 2023.
The $25.4 million project will replace a section of road and foreshore washed away when Richter Creek – a distributary of the Barron River – formed a secondary mouth during flooding associated with Tropical Cyclone Jasper.
A temporary single-lane crossing was installed within four days of the disaster and has served the area since.
Council has allocated $17 million in the 2025–26 financial year to commence work, with the remaining $8 million committed the following year.
Weather permitting, the bridge is expected to be completed by mid-2026. It will include a shared footpath and cycle lane for safer access.
Backed by all levels of government
Federal Minister for Emergency Management Kristy McBain called the new bridge "a critical investment that will reconnect residents and ensure they're not cut off again during future flooding."
"This project shows how the Australian and Queensland Governments are working together to deliver real, long-term recovery," she said.
Federal Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith added: "Living in the Northern Beaches, I know how important this is for connectivity and morale. Our Government committed to this project in the aftermath of Jasper and I am very proud to see the works start."
Queensland Minister for Local Government and Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said the Crisafulli Government is "in it for the long haul".
"A new bridge in Holloways Beach will support local activity, liveability, and unlock more economic opportunities," she said.
Division 8 Councillor Rhonda Coghlan said: "This project is about reconnecting the community and preparing for any possible future events."
Part of broader recovery works
The bridge project is one of several recovery efforts funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) under the Restoration of Essential Public Assets program.
Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said $28.9 million in DRFA funding has been secured for 2025/26.
"DRFA funding has been critical to supporting our community's recovery," she said.
"We're committed to restoring essential infrastructure and places people use every day."
Other DRFA-supported projects include:
- $1.4 million for final landslip repairs on Lake Morris Road
- $5.1 million to address 700 flood-damaged sites across the region
- $50,300 for drainage repairs at various locations
Cr Eden added: "Recovering from a disaster of this scale takes time and careful planning, but we're getting on with the job."
