Q150 bridge naming kicks off at Centenary Highway Extension opening
Premier Anna Bligh today kicked off the state's Q150 bridge naming celebrations revealing the new names for four of the five bridges that form part of the newly opened Centenary Highway Extension.
Ms Bligh said the newly named Coalstars, Lloyd Bird, Aussie Philipsen and Deebing Creek Mission bridges link the new roadway while celebrating what makes Queensland great.
(Media-Newswire.com) - Premier Anna Bligh today kicked off the state’s Q150 bridge naming celebrations revealing the new names for four of the five bridges that form part of the newly opened Centenary Highway Extension.
Ms Bligh said the newly named Coalstars, Lloyd Bird, Aussie Philipsen and Deebing Creek Mission bridges link the new roadway while celebrating what makes Queensland great.
The name of the fifth bridge, the Boxflat Bridge, was revealed a few weeks ago as part of Queensland Day celebrations.
“I am pleased to open the new Centenary Highway Extension and mark the future of Queensland infrastructure, while honouring the state’s history by naming these bridges,” Ms Bligh said.
“More than 190 submissions were made to help name bridges throughout the greater Brisbane area as part of the state’s Q150 celebrations.
“Name submissions for the bridges over Bundamba Creek, Woogaroo Creek, Little Bundamba Creek, Six Mile Creek and Deebing Creek included references to local history, Indigenous culture, flora, fauna, and local residents who have made significant contributions to the community.
“Having so many entries certainly made the community panel’s decision very difficult in choosing the appropriate names for the bridges, however, we have chosen five names we believe reflect the community’s suggestions, the local history and recognises some significant local identities.
“I would like to congratulate all of those who successfully named these bridges.”
The Bundamba Creek bridge has been named the Boxflat Bridge, as suggested by Bundamba local Lloyd Bird. The Boxflat bridge name commemorates the 17 miners who lost their lives in a gas explosion at the Boxflat number five mine in July 1972, and another man who died of injuries at Box Flat some months later.
Mr Bird has also been honoured for his contribution to the local community. A local botanist and Order of Australia Medal recipient for his work with native flora, Mr Bird has discovered more than 15 plants in the Ipswich area. The Woogaroo Creek bridge will now be known as the Lloyd Bird Bridge.
The Little Bundamba bridge has been dubbed the Coalstars Bridge, suggested by Debbie Stephenson in honour of the great tradition of women’s soccer in Ipswich which started 80 years ago on the Bundamba Racecourse. The first Ipswich team to enter the Brisbane women’s soccer competition was the Bundamba Coalstars in 1965.
The Six Mile Creek bridge has been named the Aussie Philipsen Bridge, suggested by his many friends, family and work mates. Aussie Philipsen has made a large contribution to the local community during the past 26 years, through his work on the Ripley Valley taskforce, the State Emergency Services, the Emergency Services cadets and as a foster carer for more than seven years.
Deebing Heights resident, Andy Rawlings successfully named the Deebing Creek bridge the Deebing Creek Mission Bridge in honour of the Deebing Creek Aboriginal Mission and Cemetery. It is closely located to the creek and plays a significant role in Deebing Heights history.
“I am pleased to be able to meet some of the wonderful Queenslanders that have played an important role in celebrating our state’s 150 years of independence by suggesting names for these bridges,” Ms Bligh said.
“This is what the Q150 bridge naming celebrations are all about, Queenslanders sharing their pride in the things that make our state unique and having the opportunity for them to be recognised.
“The naming of the five Centenary Highway Extension bridges is just the start of many more bridge namings that will take place across Queensland during 2009.”
The Q150 bridge naming project is a state-wide initiative that will name more than 50 bridges across Queensland.
The bridge names submitted for consideration are reviewed by a panel of community members in each region, and names are shortlisted for final consideration by the Main Roads Minister.
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