By Lucy Waldron
Five months after bushfires ravaged Wallangarra, the small town is still grappling with the aftermath of the destruction caused.
At the beginning of the year, residents faced the challenge of navigating their daily lives without the use of the main bridge connecting both sides of the railway.
The unknown in repairing the town’s main bridge by the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) left locals frustrated, with concerns over the provided detours. However, the TMR assured residents that repairs were underway and that they had provided the safest alternative options.
In a statement to the media, the Southern Downs Regional Council announced the completion of structural repairs to the township’s key bridge on Bridge Link Drive, bringing relief to the Wallangarra community.
Southern Downs Mayor Melissa Hamilton acknowledged the Wallangarra community’s resilience during the challenges of recovery and said the reopening of the bridge is a significant milestone for the township in its recovery journey.
“The closure of this bridge cut an important link to both sides of the township, and I know from discussions with locals that they have been very keen for the bridge to re-open and to be able to move forward again after the November bushfires,” Mayor Hamilton said.
“On behalf of the Wallangarra community, council thanks Queensland Rail for their prompt response and repairs to the bridge structure.”
Queensland Rail Head of Regional Scott Cornish thanked the local community for its patience while crews repaired the bridge.
“We’re pleased to announce the Bridge Link Drive road-over-rail bridge reopened to road and pedestrian traffic on Thursday 18 April following the completion of repair works,“ Mr Cornish said.
However, Southern Downs MP James Lister raised concerns about the repair works on the Wallangarra railway itself.
Minister for Transport and Main Roads, Hon Bart Mellish, stated that currently, the bridge repair is the only ongoing work on the Wallangarra line.
“Queensland Rail has advised the line experienced significant damage, with four timber bridges destroyed, more than 1000 sleepers requiring replacement, and damage to an additional timber bridge,” he said.
“Queensland Rail understands the Wallangarra branch line is important to steam train enthusiasts, however work across the network needs to be prioritised to keep freight and people moving throughout the state.
“As such, the line between Stanthorpe and Wallangarra will remain closed while Queensland Rail continues to investigate options.”
Despite the challenges, Queensland Rail has shown support for heritage operations throughout the Southern and Western Downs, including lending a heritage steam locomotive to the SDSR Association and granting the association use of the historic Warwick station through a long-term lease.
Stay up to date with any potential advancements via the Queensland Rail website queenslandrail.com.au/
