Jacquie Petrusma

Jacquie Petrusma MP - Member for Franklin
INFRASTRUCTURE - MURPHYS CREEK BRIDGE, BRUNY ISLAND
May 18th, 2011

I have recently been made aware of considerable public concern about a potentially unsafe replacement bridge being built on Bruny Island over Murphys Creek. It is my understanding that for the last few years the community has been in consultation with DIER regarding the replacement of Murphys Creek bridge. This discussion has always been for the replacement of the existing bridge with a two-lane structure. To the best of my knowledge there has not been any consultation with the community regarding a single-lane bridge replacement. Instead of solving the current problem of traffic meeting on the bridge and the need for a vehicle to give way, it ensures the continuation of that problem into the future. Furthermore, the lack of clear lines of sight through this section of road adds to the dangerous nature of the proposal. Increased use of the road for tourism and general traffic including school buses, heavy vehicles and log trucks, makes a view to the future vital in this planning. The community strongly believes that public safety should be paramount in the decision-making process. The community is also of the unanimous view that DIER should be required to implement the original proposal as negotiated with the community for a new two-lane bridge.

I share the community's concerns and ask that DIER and the minister fully consider the following. Firstly, are the cost benefits of a single-lane bridge sufficient to offset the safety, tourism and productivity benefits of a dual-lane bridge? Second, will there be further public consultation to discuss the drastic change in direction from the original plan of two lanes to a single-lane bridge? Third, why is this decision inconsistent with the three most recent upgrades on the island, which have all been dual lane? Four, what is the cost difference between building a dual-lane bridge compared to a single-lane bridge at Murphys Creek? I have also been told that the design work is currently underway and that construction work is to be tendered in June for works to be completed by 30 November 2011. With this in mind, I call on the Minister for Infrastructure to promptly resolve this matter and to ensure the safety of Bruny Island residents and tourists as they go about their work, life and holiday on Bruny Island.