Council plans to build an 80-metre bridge over Deep Creek as part of a $6.4 million project to link Clifton Beach with neighbouring Kewarra Beach.
The project is part of the Northern Beaches Leisure Trail and will also include 380-metres of shared path (three metres wide) from the end of Arlington Esplanade in Clifton Beach through to Pelican Park in Kewarra Beach.
Construction is scheduled to be complete by the end of March 2024, and will also include installation of lighting, CCTV, fencing and some landscaping.
The project has grant funding of almost $4 million, contributed in equal parts from the Australian Government, and the State Government under its Cycling Network Local Government Grants Program.
Several sections of the NBLT have already been delivered and when complete, it will provide a recreational walking and cycling route from the Cairns CBD to Palm Cove.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the connection between Kewarra beach and Clifton Beach is part of a bigger vision to provide better connectivity and safer access for residents to move through the northern beach’s various locations.
“The Deep Creek bridge will complete a missing link along the trail between Clifton Beach and Kewarra Beach,” Cr Manning said.
“Once complete, this new link is sure to prove popular for regular weekend cycling groups, morning exercise enthusiasts and of course families.”
The project has grant funding of almost $4 million, contributed in equal parts from the State and Federal Governments under the Cycle Network Local Government Grants Program and the Building Better Regions Funding respectively.
Barron River MP Craig Crawford said the connecting bridge will form part of one of Australia’s most spectacular coastal pathways.
“Residents and tourists alike will love the chance to walk, run, cycle and scooter along the coast through our beautiful northern beaches suburbs,” Mr Crawford said.
“This is a fantastic project and we’ve had great feedback from the community.”
Division 9 Councillor Brett Olds said there was strong support for connecting the two beaches, which would promote active living and increase safety.
“At the moment, residents in these two communities need to travel onto the Captain Cook Highway, which is a notorious high crash zone, to reach the same destination in the adjoining suburb,” Cr Olds said.
“There is strong community support for this project, especially after the success of the Barr Creek Bridge.”
