SUPPORT SECURED TO HELP PRESERVE ICONIC GAIRLOCH BRIDGE

The Gairloch Bridge sustained damage during the 2025 February Weather Event. Photo suppled

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Hinchinbrook Shire Council has welcomed the joint announcement by the State and Federal Governments to support disaster-impacted, heritage-listed landmarks across North and Far North Queensland, recognising the importance of preserving places that hold deep meaning for regional communities.

The inclusion of the Gairloch Bridge Conservation Project highlights the significance of this much-loved local landmark, which remains an important part of Hinchinbrook’s history and identity.

Mayor Ramon Jayo said Gairloch Bridge holds a special place in both Queensland’s history and the hearts of the local community.

“Gairloch Bridge is a landmark of both local and state heritage significance. Built between 1890 and 1891, it is the oldest composite concrete and steel bridge in Queensland and has served the region for more than a century,” Mayor Jayo said.  

“For many in our community, this bridge is more than infrastructure, it represents our shared history, memories and connection to place.”

The project has been allocated $47,000 under the 2024–25 Environmental Recovery Package: Heritage Disaster Recovery Grants program. This funding will support initial assessment and planning following damage sustained during the February 2025 flood event.

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The funding will deliver a Conservation Management Plan, prepared by a qualified Heritage Architect, along with a detailed structural inspection. These will help Council understand the current condition of the bridge, identify any urgent works, and outline a practical, staged approach to its future conservation.

This project is proudly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Commonwealth–state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) in association with Hinchinbrook Shire Council.

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“This funding is an important first step in ensuring we can properly assess the damage and plan for the preservation of this iconic structure,” Mayor Jayo said.

Following the 2025 flood event, Gairloch Bridge sustained structural damage and has been closed to all access, including pedestrians, to ensure public safety.

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The bridge was previously closed to vehicular traffic in 2014 due to safety concerns; however, the latest damage means continued access is no longer viable.

As a State Heritage-listed structure, any future works must meet strict heritage requirements, making recovery and restoration complex.

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“Restoring heritage infrastructure like Gairloch Bridge takes time and careful planning. This funding allows us to start that process properly. We thank the Australian and Queensland Governments for recognising the importance of sites like Gairloch Bridge and supporting their recovery.”

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This local heritage structure holds much history in it struts and supports. Many a foot has crossed it and a few lives were tragically lost. Read the Gairloch Bridge history of local tales at www.hinchinbrooklife.com/article/the-gairloch-bridge

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