Jardine River Bridge - anyone going to hold their breath?

Submitted: Friday, Dec 18, 2015 at 17:02
ThreadID: 131156 Views:3420 Replies:2 FollowUps:8
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Reply By: Member - Scott M (NSW) - Friday, Dec 18, 2015 at 17:03

Friday, Dec 18, 2015 at 17:03
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It has been heard on the grapevine that the Federal member for Leichhardt, Warren Entsch has announced $10 million for a bridge across the Jardine River, rendering the current ferry across the famous river, on the way to the northernmost point of Australia, useless.

It’s being called a victory for locals, tourists and tourism operators, who will be able to travel across the river without the associated costs of using the ferry.
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Follow Up By: Member - Rosco from way back - Friday, Dec 18, 2015 at 18:03

Friday, Dec 18, 2015 at 18:03
Given that a significant component of the costs cover access permits (whether you agree or not is another matter). I would be surprised if a toll is not levied ............ if it goes ahead which I would wonder.
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Follow Up By: Alloy c/t - Friday, Dec 18, 2015 at 18:09

Friday, Dec 18, 2015 at 18:09
You can bet your last $ that if it ever goes ahead the cost will blow out to more like 20$ mil and you will still have to pay to cross it [ the river ] , no way will the local tribes allow their income from the ferry be compromised ,,,USER PAYS [ even though our taxes pay for it ]..
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Follow Up By: Member - Terry W4 - Saturday, Dec 19, 2015 at 19:41

Saturday, Dec 19, 2015 at 19:41
I actually like Warren Entsch although not of his political persuasion. However what did he announce? A committed Turnbull Government commitment to build the bridge?

Which grapevine?

Wishful thinking. Maybe it is a report of him actually arguing for it not that it ha happened.

OK back to thinking.
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Follow Up By: Bigfish - Sunday, Dec 20, 2015 at 08:47

Sunday, Dec 20, 2015 at 08:47
I can remember when you couldn,t drive out from Gove to Katherine because of the Wilton R and the Goyder R. Both now have substantial bridges over them and there is no toll. Benefitted the local communities immensely. Cant see a toll going in to the Jardine R bridge, when it eventuates. Afterall, the FNQ is supposed to be opening up more as part of our govts grand scheme for the North.
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Follow Up By: Tuco - Sunday, Dec 20, 2015 at 14:14

Sunday, Dec 20, 2015 at 14:14
The first time I crossed the Jardine River was in 1975. There was no bridge and no ferry !
I was in the company of some other trail bike enthusiasts and we got our bikes across the river by laying them on their side on air matresses and dragging or swimming them across. No thought was given with regard to the crocodiles who also use the river.
I was riding an OSSA 250cc 2stroke dirt bike.
4x4 users would usually 'blind' the front of the vehicle and drive across. The majority of 4x4s in those days were petrol engined (not the snorkled diesels of today) and spark plugs and distributors had to be made water resistant. Most people also carried large quantities of gear oil so the gearbox, transfer case and diff lubricants could be changed after the return crossing.
Adventure days when men were men ....

This announcement of a bridge is welcome, although I doubt I will ever see it.
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Follow Up By: Michael H9 - Monday, Dec 21, 2015 at 08:17

Monday, Dec 21, 2015 at 08:17
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Follow Up By: Member - Rosco from way back - Monday, Dec 21, 2015 at 13:46

Monday, Dec 21, 2015 at 13:46
Mate

Whilst I agree entirely with the sentiment .. I'm somewhat lost with the intent ??
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Follow Up By: Slow one - Monday, Dec 21, 2015 at 21:14

Monday, Dec 21, 2015 at 21:14
Rosco

Maybe because everyone wants everything and they even think they are entitled to it. I also have had the pleasure of driving that road many many years ago. I call it a road, as it was the only way up there and just got on with it.

This is for the others that wish for everything.

Yes. I have crossed the Jardine with no ferry and when a ferry came it was a great advancement for the locals. Think about how your taxes are used and how much goes around.

There is only so much money to do this, or you could all start a fund for a toll free bridge that only those who have contributed to it could cross with no charge.

I think we could all name many roads that need attention but there is on problem. NO MONEY!

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Reply By: Member - Boobook - Tuesday, Dec 22, 2015 at 11:22

Tuesday, Dec 22, 2015 at 11:22
Maybe they could get all the paper used for this, and all the previous announcements that this bridge will be built and make a bridge out of that. At least the announcements would then amount to something.

This seems to get announced every year or two by some politician. Remember the $250m upgrade in 2013 that included this bridge?

I think you are right Scott, don't hold your breath.
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