Overview
Summary
Lees Bridge was a single lane timber bridge on Douglas Creek Road, Daintree which was severely impacted by Cyclone Tiffany on 10 – 11 January 2022. Council successfully sought funding through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DFRA) for a replacement concrete bridge.
Unfortunately, Cyclone Jasper in December 2023 further hampered efforts to build the new bridge.
A new design was finalised and tenders released February 2025, closing in March 2025. The alignment of the new bridge will be between the current bypass and where the old Lees Bridge was.
The contract was awarded to NQ Civil Constructions, who will also be constructing the new bridge at Taylors Crossing, resulting in some cost savings.
The bypass will remain in place throughout construction to enable vehicles access and egress at all times. For more information about other DRFA projects in the Daintree Valley, you may refer to the latest newsletter here: DRFA Daintree Village Update – May 2025
Cost of Project
The cost to replace the bridge is covered by the Australian Government’s Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA).
The DRFA is joint Commonwealth and State government funding, providing financial assistance in this instance, to help communities recover from TC Jasper which occurred in December 2023.
Enquiries
For more information or if you have any questions, please contact Liza Dowling on 0409 930 342 or email liza.dowling@douglas.qld.gov.au
Project Updates
November 2025
The below image shares a visual of the current works progress.
