A PROPOSAL to move a controversial footbridge at Eprapah Creek is more damaging than the original plan, says a local Landcare group.
The $1.3 million track and bridge is meant to give pedestrians from VillaWorld’s Affinity development on Boundary Road easy access to Victoria Point shops on Bunker Road.
Redland City Council is keen for the bridge to be built but it has been opposed by local residents, Landcare and councillors Paul Golle and Lance Hewlett.
Eprapah Creek Catchment Landcare Association president Lynn Roberts said the site downstream of the original local location would mean less vegetation destruction but would mean much of the creek’s northern bank would have to be removed.
“This would clearly compromise the stability of an already damaged section of the creek,” she said. “...Soft alluvial soils are easily washed away and will end up in Moreton Bay, destroying seagrass beds and other fish breeding habitat.”
Ms Roberts said residents did not want the bridge, local councillors opposed it and VillaWorld did not seem to want to build it as they did not want their reputation damaged.
“They have been reported as being quite happy to provide an equivalent amount of money towards another infrastructure project such as the upgrade of the existing cycle track,” Ms Roberts said.
A council spokesperson said the bridge and pathway formed part of a development permit issued on the condition the bridge was built to benefit the broader community.
“It is also in line with the south east Thornlands Structure Plan that was adopted back in March 2010 following broad public consultation,” he said.
“Council is bound by the development permit so we cannot just drop the proposed bridge.
“...The proposed bridge is also located on state land and is subject to state government permits and requirements for survey work and ecological report.”
He said the project was in line with community feedback, the pathway was to improve access for all nearby residents and was a key element in the city’s integrated cycle and pedestrian network.
“Council is working hard and spending a great deal of time and effort speaking to the developer and the local Landcare group to find an alternate location that minimises the impact of providing the bridge, while still serving the rest of the community,” he said.
Ms Roberts said there appeared to be a group of councillors determined to push the project through.
Because the proposal had to be approved by the state government, Landcare would present a petition to MPs, making them aware of issues.
“Local MLA Matt McEachan has agreed to sponsor the petition. We need many signatures for the state government to sit up and take notice of this damaging bridge proposal,” she said.
“The link is parliament.qld.gov.au/work-of-assembly/petitions/petition-details?id=2835.”
