New bridge to boost Springbrook tourism

The spectacular scenery of Queensland's Springbrook National Park will soon be visible from the treetops, with a project to build a suspension bridge across the gorge below the Purling Brook Falls.

Announcing that tenders would soon be called for the project, Queensland National Parks Minister Steve Dickson explained "the bridge will be an instant World Heritage tourism icon which (will) boost the local economy, as well as providing an outlet ... to get fit and healthy in the great outdoors.

“It will have a single span of about 25 metres, around seven metres above the creek and approximately 200 metres of new track will be established amongst sub-tropical rainforest and along the banks of the Little Nerang Creek.

“The bridge will allow visitors to complete a circuit to view the falls for the first time in more than two and a half years since a section was closed due to landslides and ongoing maintenance problems.

“Purling Brook Circuit is one of our most popular national park tracks, so we had to find a solution to keep it open as we could not afford to keep rebuilding the track, which has cost $400,000 in repairs since 2008 plus about $60,000 on monitoring.

“A feasibility study and geological mapping have been undertaken to determine the location, and the bridge and track will be located downstream away from possible rockfalls and erosion.”

Queensland Tourism Industry Council Chief Executive Daniel Gschwind welcomed the investment, adding “the Gold Coast is a major attraction for visitors to Queensland and Springbrook National Park and surrounding parks are some of the most magical places in this region.

By creating diverse and innovative experiences we will attract visitors to venture into the hinterland – creating flow on economic benefits for this region.”

Tenders for the bridge construction will be called in August 2014.

More information about Springbrook National Park is at www.nprsr.qld.gov.au/parks/springbrook/index.html