Cook Shire Council, Media Release, 25 October 2022

Cook Shire Council is pleased to announce that with repairs to the approach ramps of the Marton Swing Bridge coming to completion, the bridge is scheduled to reopen in coming days – ahead of the approaching wet season.

Council reluctantly closed the bridge in March 2022 when routine inspections identified that while the 25-year old bridge was structurally sound, the approach ramps on either side had been damaged by a white ant infestation.

“For residents and community members living and working beyond Minke and Poison Creek crossings, the bridge is a critical lifeline into town and the Cooktown airport during the wet-season. With this in mind, it was imperative that we did whatever it took, to undertake the repairs before the weather sets in,” said Cook Shire Mayor Peter Scott.

Railway Avenue residents, Darren Powell and his partner Kath Pennell said they were relieved to hear the bridge was re-opening. 

“During the wet season, when Minke, Poison and Jensens all come up, the bridge is the girls only way into school, it’s the only was we can get into town and if there’s an emergency, it’s the only way emergency services can get to us,” said Mr Powell (pictured with his daughters Eva and Jamie).

With the increasing cost of maintaining and repairing Council-owned infrastructure and assets, and the diminishing number of state and federal funding streams, Mayor Scott noted that the challenge now is to secure the funding required to upgrade and future-proof the bridge itself.

“For now though, we’re glad to be able to get the bridge open ahead of whatever weather might come,” said Mayor Scott. “I’d also like to thank Council’s Infrastructure and the Disaster Management teams for their commitment and dedication towards making it all happen for the community.”

For more information contact Cook Shire Council via email to mail@cook.qld.gov.au or by phoning 4082 0500.