Fisheries Bridge Balngga-L officially reopens

• Fisheries Bridge Balngga-L has reopened, restoring permanent access after the December 2023 floods.
• The elevated, all-weather bridge improves safety and connectivity for the Goldsborough community.
• The project supports long-term flood resilience, with further causeway upgrades planned.

Permanent access across the Mulgrave River at Goldsborough has now been restored, following the destruction of the former bridge during the December 2023 flooding.

The original Fisheries Bridge was washed away during the flooding caused by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, significantly impacting the Goldsborough community and cutting a vital transport link.

Cairns Regional Council responded immediately, establishing river transport access, followed by the construction of a pedestrian bridge and temporary road bridge to maintain access while a permanent solution was delivered.

The completed Fisheries Bridge Balngga-L has been reconstructed as part of Council’s flood recovery program, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).

The new permanent road bridge provides reliable, all-weather access for residents, businesses and emergency services.

The bridge deck has been raised by 1.6 metres to achieve compliant vertical curves, crossfall and approach grades, improving safety and drivability for all users.

While the bridge deck has been elevated, it ties into sections of the existing lower-level causeway.

Betterment works to raise and replace the remaining causeway are close to completion, and the bridge is expected to be open to traffic mid-March, improving flood resilience across the entire crossing and enhancing public safety.

Following community consultation undertaken between October and November 2025, the bridge was formally named Fisheries Bridge Balngga-L.

The majority of respondents supported retaining the longstanding name, Fisheries Bridge.

In line with Council’s Naming of Community Infrastructure General Policy, Traditional Owners were also invited to contribute a culturally significant name.

The Dulabed Malanbarra Yidinji Aboriginal Corporation proposed “Balngga-L”, meaning “crossing on a log over a creek or river”.

Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Kristy McBain said building the bridge back better was an example of all levels of government working to make communities more resilient to severe weather.

“By rebuilding with resilience in mind, this new bridge will provide safer, more reliable access for residents, businesses and emergency services during future weather events,” Minister McBain said.

“Restoring this crossing not only helps reconnect the Goldsborough community, but gives locals confidence that vital routes like this will remain accessible when they’re needed most.

“The Albanese Government is working hard with the Queensland Government, delivering on our significant investment to rebuild roads damaged by severe weather events over the years, and in many cases, making sure they’re rebuilt to a better standard.”

Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy said restoring access across the Mulgrave River is an important milestone for the Goldsborough community after the devastation of the 2023 floods.

“Fisheries Bridge Balngga-L delivers a safer, more resilient crossing that will keep residents, businesses and emergency services connected well into the future,” Minister Leahy said.

“The Crisafulli Government is committed to rebuilding stronger after disaster, and this project shows what can be achieved when all levels of government work together to support communities.

“This new bridge restores a vital link for Goldsborough while improving flood resilience for the long term.”

Cairns Mayor Amy Eden said the project strengthens the region’s recovery and long-term resilience.

“The loss of the original bridge during the December 2023 flooding had a huge impact on the Goldsborough community,” Cr Eden said.

“Today, Fisheries Bridge Balngga-L stands as a testament to the strength of the community and to the partnerships that made this possible.

“This project reflects our shared commitment to restoring vital infrastructure and rebuilding in a way that is safe, practical, and ready for the future.”

Division 1 Councillor Brett Moller said the bridge’s completion restores confidence and connectivity for local residents.

“For our community, this crossing is a lifeline,” Cr Moller said.

“We’ve seen firsthand how important it is to maintain safe and reliable access, and this new bridge delivers that.”