General News
19 March, 2026
Fix ‘dangerous’ bridge
A BRIDGE on Tully-Mission Beach Road, described as dangerous and well-known for being cut off to motorists during the wet season, is the subject of a petition to state parliament.
Close to 650 signatures are on the petition calling on the government to “deliver a safe and resilient crossing” at Banyan Creek, known locally as Whitings Crossing.
Sponsored by Member for Hill Shane Knuth, the principal petitioner is Trudy Tschui, who took the action on a personal basis – and not in her role as a councillor – after gauging widespread community concerns mainly about the bridge’s narrowness and its frequent flooding during the wet season.
“The bridge is a vital connection between Tully, Mission Beach and the Bruce Highway, and there are times when Mission Beach is isolated, thus affecting students, emergency services and workers,” Ms Tschui told The Observer.
“The bridge is narrow and is no longer fit for purpose, as vehicles are predominantly larger and locals and visitors may be towing a caravan or a boat,” she said.
“A vehicle towing a van or boat meeting a Greyhound bus on that bridge is putting lives at risk.
“I thank the government for the work that has been done on the Tully-Mission Beach Rd, and hope that work will continue to upgrade this bridge and its approaches.
“I hope ministers will listen to community and upgrade the bridge to keep us safe.
“I invite the Premier to meet community at the bridge for further feedback.”
The petition states: “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“Its limited width and outdated design create safety risks for motorists, cyclists, pedestrians, school transport, heavy vehicles and emergency services.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,” it reads.
Hundreds of motorists have been cut off or even stranded at the crossing during heavy rain periods and the bridge was the scene of a bus crash in March 2024 in which several passengers were injured.
Many in the local community have commented on social media pages, including after the bus crash.
“Hope they’ll fix that skinny bridge now. It’s scary sometimes,” one commenter said at the time.
“That is why I don’t fight with buses or trucks on that bridge. I see them coming I brake so fast,” another posted.
Signing of the petition, started in January, is still able online until 23 March through the Queensland parliament website.
The Mission Beach Community Association has also thrown its support behind the petition, with follower Helen Riley posting, “this is one of the most dangerous bridge crossings I’ve seen.
“Last year I drove over 10,000km through four states and this rates as the narrowest bridge we drove on. The approaches to the bridge are too narrow.
“How someone has not been killed there astounds me.”
“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 also states.
Read More: Far North