General News
21 April, 2026
Call for clearer handle
A CALL has been made to the Department of Transport and Main Roads for signs to distinguish a flood-prone crossing from others along Tully Mission Beach Rd.
The 18 March edition of The Observer reported on a petition by Trudy Tschui to state parliament to make Whitings Crossing safer and more resilient.
Now, Ms Tschui is also calling on the department (TMR) to place signs to show motorists – particularly visitors – that the spot is known to locals as Whitings Crossing, rather than just a ‘Banyan Creek’ crossing.
“As you have stated locals know and understand where Whitings Crossing sits on the Tully Mission Beach Rd, but it is confusing for new residents and visitors as there is no actual sign marking this known hot spot,” Ms Tschui told the newspaper.
“The bridge crosses over the Banyan Creek, but there are three Banyan Creeks to cross when travelling from Mission Beach to Tully,” she said.
“As you have already reported on the area is known for flooding and road closures, so when the social media posts go up about Whitings being over, it can be become confusing and potentially dangerous for some.”
Again, as a concerned citizen rather than local councillor, Ms Tschui approached the TMR “on several occasions” but says she has had no success yet in creating a clearer message for the community.
“I do not want to change the name of the creek, but simply a sign below the current sign stating, ‘Known locally as Whitings Crossing’. I have had members of community also voice their concerns and requests for an additional sign,” Ms Tschui said.
“Clearer signage would make it safer passage for all road users at a point in the road that is already dangerous. An additional sign would ease confusion and frustration and therefore make it a better experience for all.”
Ms Tschui’s petition closed on 23 March and was tabled in state parliament two days later.
It stated: “The existing crossing is aging, narrow and no longer fit for purpose given the current traffic volumes and vehicle types.
“Its limited width and outdated design create safety risks for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, school transport, heavy vehicles and emergency services.
“As a key connection between the Bruce Highway, Tully and Mission Beach and surrounding communities, the crossing does not meet contemporary road safety or infrastructure standards.”
“As traffic volumes increase and severe weather events become more frequent, continued reliance on a substandard and flood-prone crossing presents an unacceptable risk to community safety and regional connectivity,” the petition read.
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