Member for Hill Shane Knuth has today tabled a Queensland Parliament petition backed by more than 1,200 local residents calling on the State Government to urgently fund repairs and upgrades to Whiting’s Crossing on the Tully–Mission Beach Road.
The petition highlights growing community concern about the safety and reliability of the ageing bridge, which has become increasingly dangerous for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.
Mr Knuth said the message from the community was loud and clear. Whiting’s Crossing is no longer fit for purpose and immediate action is needed.
“This is not a new issue. I have been relentlessly advocating for upgrades to Whiting’s Crossing, including raising it directly with the Minister for Transport in May 2025,” Mr Knuth said.
“Now more than a thousand locals have signed a petition demanding action. The Government can no longer ignore this.”
The crossing is a critical link between Tully, Mission Beach and the Bruce Highway, carrying daily traffic including school buses, heavy vehicles, tourists and caravans.
However, concerns have been mounting for years about its narrow width, outdated design and vulnerability to flooding.
Community members have reported multiple traffic incidents, near misses and dangerous conditions when vehicles attempt to pass on the bridge, particularly as modern vehicles continue to increase in size.
The crossing also frequently becomes impassable during heavy rainfall, disrupting access and, in some cases, delaying emergency services.
Mr Knuth said the situation had reached a tipping point.
“How many more near misses do we need before something is done? Are we waiting for a tragedy before action is taken?”
“The bridge is too narrow, it floods regularly, and it simply does not meet the needs of a growing region.
This is a serious public safety issue.”
Mr Knuth is calling on the Government to urgently undertake a full safety review and commit to funding a long-term solution, including raising and widening the bridge to improve safety and flood resilience.
Local resident Trudy Tschui, who has been instrumental in rallying community support, said the risks are only increasing.
“I would like to thank Mr. Knuth for listening to his community about this matter. It is vital this situation is remedied, as vehicles become bigger, and our population increases, that bridge is becoming smaller, and is putting lives at risk.”
Mr Knuth said the petition reflects widespread community frustration and concern.
“This is about keeping people safe. It’s about ensuring our infrastructure keeps up with the reality on the ground,” he said.
“Regional communities deserve the same standard of infrastructure and safety as anywhere else in Queensland.”
Mr Knuth said he will continue to push the Government until funding is secured and construction begins.