❓ Question regarding the feasibility of a temporary pedestrian crossing over the Martuwarra Fitzroy River following tragic deaths, and the government's response outlining alternative solutions like a ferry service and temporary vehicle crossings.
AnsweredQoN 225Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
MARTUWARRA FITZROY RIVER
225. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Transport:
My question without notice of which
some notice is given is to the Minister for Transport and I refer to —
The PRESIDENT : Sorry, member.
I cannot quite hear you and I am sure Hansard is having the same problem.
Hon NEIL THOMSON : I refer to
the recent tragic deaths of two Kimberley men who died swimming in the
Martuwarra Fitzroy River.
(1) Has the minister considered
building a temporary footbridge or other pedestrian-capable structure?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) If yes to (1), why has the
minister not proceeded with the project?
(4) If yes to (1), what were the
cost estimates of any options considered?
(5) Given the tragic deaths so far, and the two years
to go before the new road bridge will be constructed, will the minister
reconsider the decision not to build some form of pedestrian crossing that
could be utilised by pedestrians after hours?
225. Hon NEIL THOMSON to the Leader of the House
representing the Minister for Transport:
My question without notice of which
some notice is given is to the Minister for Transport and I refer to —
The PRESIDENT : Sorry, member.
I cannot quite hear you and I am sure Hansard is having the same problem.
Hon NEIL THOMSON : I refer to
the recent tragic deaths of two Kimberley men who died swimming in the
Martuwarra Fitzroy River.
(1) Has the minister considered
building a temporary footbridge or other pedestrian-capable structure?
(2) If not, why not?
(3) If yes to (1), why has the
minister not proceeded with the project?
(4) If yes to (1), what were the
cost estimates of any options considered?
(5) Given the tragic deaths so far, and the two years
to go before the new road bridge will be constructed, will the minister
reconsider the decision not to build some form of pedestrian crossing that
could be utilised by pedestrians after hours?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of the Leader of the House. The
following answer is provided on behalf of the Minister for Transport.
(1)–(5) Main
Roads considered the installation of a temporary bridging structure—Bailey
bridge—across the Martuwarra–Fitzroy River, which currently
spans 200 metres. However, this was not considered a viable option due to the
damage sustained to the existing bridge and piers; the additional extensive
piling work required to make it safe and secure for use as a superstructure;
and the requirement for a complete rebuild of the eastern bridge abutment and
bridge approach roads.
Further investment on making the old
bridge ''safe'' was not deemed appropriate, given that demolition
of the structure is due to commence in May. As an alternative, a ferry service
was progressed to provide pedestrian access across the river in the first
instance. This commenced yesterday. Subject to water levels, the ferry service
will be scaled up to take essential vehicles.
In the meantime, Main Roads is also
working on establishing low-level river crossings for vehicles. Development
work for the construction of two temporary crossings is underway. Timing of
construction is dependent on future rainfall
events and river conditions, but it is expected that the first of these
crossings , which will be accessible to four-wheel drives only initially,
may be available in late March. A second crossing is planned near the existing
bridge and should be available in May for use during the dry season when river
levels are low.
If
I can say as Minister for Emergency Services, it is terribly, terribly sad that
people have died in the river . Prior to the ferry service, a helicopter
was in operation to take people from side to side, but obviously some people have swum in the river and it has
ended badly. I urge everyone to keep out of the river because it is
still not safe.
some notice of the question. I answer on behalf of the Leader of the House. The
following answer is provided on behalf of the Minister for Transport.
(1)–(5) Main
Roads considered the installation of a temporary bridging structure—Bailey
bridge—across the Martuwarra–Fitzroy River, which currently
spans 200 metres. However, this was not considered a viable option due to the
damage sustained to the existing bridge and piers; the additional extensive
piling work required to make it safe and secure for use as a superstructure;
and the requirement for a complete rebuild of the eastern bridge abutment and
bridge approach roads.
Further investment on making the old
bridge ''safe'' was not deemed appropriate, given that demolition
of the structure is due to commence in May. As an alternative, a ferry service
was progressed to provide pedestrian access across the river in the first
instance. This commenced yesterday. Subject to water levels, the ferry service
will be scaled up to take essential vehicles.
In the meantime, Main Roads is also
working on establishing low-level river crossings for vehicles. Development
work for the construction of two temporary crossings is underway. Timing of
construction is dependent on future rainfall
events and river conditions, but it is expected that the first of these
crossings , which will be accessible to four-wheel drives only initially,
may be available in late March. A second crossing is planned near the existing
bridge and should be available in May for use during the dry season when river
levels are low.
If
I can say as Minister for Emergency Services, it is terribly, terribly sad that
people have died in the river . Prior to the ferry service, a helicopter
was in operation to take people from side to side, but obviously some people have swum in the river and it has
ended badly. I urge everyone to keep out of the river because it is
still not safe.
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