Saltwater Creek at Musgrave is one of three bridges along the Peninsula Developmental Road the Department of Transport and Main Roads is calling for public help to name. Photo: Cape York Weekly.
The State Government is calling on input from Cape York residents about what three well-known bridges on the Peninsula Developmental Road (PDR) should be named.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) announced last week it was inviting submissions from community members about what names should adorn the bridges spanning the Archer River, Saltwater Creek at Musgrave and South Laura.
TMR said naming the bridges would help make navigation easier for tourists, freight operators and residents, while also reflecting the community’s connection to the region.
The bridges over the Archer River and Saltwater Creek have been constructed as part of stages one and two of the Cape York Region Package, which is currently funded through an 80:20 joint arrangement between the state and federal governments.
Last month, TMR told Cape York Weekly the Archer River bridge – which has been plagued by construction delays and cost blowouts – was “expected to be open to traffic by late 2024, weather and construction conditions permitting”.
Originally budgeted to cost $32.2 million, “significant geotechnical challenges” mean the infrastructure will now come with a price tag of almost $100m more.
TMR acting regional director Kylee Petersen urged Cape York residents to have their say in the naming process of the critical road infrastructure.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for the local community to name these important pieces of transport infrastructure and to recognise significant cultures and people who have contributed to the region,” she said.
“TMR is aware extensive stakeholder engagement will be required as part of this naming process and has provided an extended timeframe for submissions.
“The Archer River bridge, the Saltwater Creek bridge at Musgrave, and the South Laura bridge are critical pieces of infrastructure that play a vital role in the connectivity and support of the Cape York region.
“It is important that the selected names honour the heritage, culture and aspirations of the communities they will serve.”
Community members have until 1 April 2025 to put forward their preferred names for the three bridges.
Naming guidelines and submission details are available on the TMR website.
