Construction of a new Noah Creek Bridge is set to begin in July 2026, delivering a major boost to Daintree communities and the local tourism industry.
The $12 million reconstruction and Betterment project is jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the joint Commonwealth-state Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), with co-contributions from Douglas Shire Council.
Tropical Cyclone Jasper severely damaged the bridge in late 2023, creating significant access issues for the region.
The new Noah Creek Bridge will be built to withstand future disasters, providing a stronger, more resilient connection for Far North communities.
Member for Leichhardt Matt Smith said the Albanese Government was continuing to work with state authorities to ensure Betterment funding flows.
“I was driving through the Daintree yesterday visiting constituents, so I know first-hand how critical this funding is and the need for connectivity with the residents and businesses in this part of the world,” Mr Smith said.
“We are continuing to work with the Queensland Government, to ensure our joint investment to make important assets like Noah Creek Bridge more resilient, continues to get out the door.
“There’s been some really great progress on the massive amount of work to repair and strengthen Far North Queensland’s road networks damaged by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, and I’m looking forward to seeing work on this Betterment project start.”
State Member for Cook David Kempton said Betterment funding was key to strengthening the state against disasters of increased frequency and severity.
“Betterment demonstrates our shared commitment to building resilient infrastructure that protects communities and the livelihoods of Queenslanders,” Mr Kempton said.
“With this announcement, residents across the Far North can look forward to safe and reliable access across Noah Creek on a bridge that will serve the region for many years to come.”
Douglas Shire Council Mayor Lisa Scomazzon said the announcement marks a significant milestone for the region.
“This is a long-awaited project, and I’m pleased we now have a confirmed start date,” Mayor Scomazzon said.
“The bridge is a key link between Cape Tribulation, Wujal Wujal and other Daintree communities. It supports the delivery of goods, tourism operations and everyday travel for locals.”
To maintain access during construction, which is scheduled for completion in late 2026, a temporary bypass will be built alongside the existing bridge.
In the meantime, upgrades to the current bridge will continue. Large, purpose built, timber girders are expected to arrive on site in the coming weeks and will be installed by the end of October, returning the bridge’s minimum 16-tonne load rating and allowing service vehicles such as waste collection trucks and emergency services to resume access.
To minimise impact to traffic, the 10-day repair work has been scheduled to be done overnight. Noah Creek Bridge will close 6:30pm to 6am from
Monday 13 October to Wednesday 22 October 2025.
Noah Creek Bridge – what’s happened so far and what’s to come.
Pre-Christmas 2024
Post Tropical Cyclone Jasper inspections and maintenance.
March 2025
Submission for funding completed.
July 2025
Engineers conducted follow-up inspection of the bridge and confirmed urgent repairs were needed. The load limit was reduced to 8 tonnes due to significant cracking of girder within the wheel path, as a result of damage caused by Cyclone Jasper. Funding was approved by the Queensland Reconstruction Authority.
August–September 2025
Custom timber girders were ordered and are expected to arrive late September/early October. The community was notified of upcoming overnight closures, including consultation regarding timing of works to re-rate the bridge.
October 2025
Daytime works (7–10 October) may cause delays of up to 15 minutes. Overnight closures (13–22 October) will allow installation of girders and restore the bridge’s 16-tonne rating, enabling service vehicles to return. The nearby causeway will also be strengthened.
November 2025
Permits finalised.
December 2025 – March 2026
Maintenance continues through the wet season.
April – June 2026
Construction of a temporary bypass begins in April and is expected to finish by mid-June. It will allow all vehicles to cross safely up to 40t.
July – November 2026
Old bridge demolished and new bridge built. The new structure will support up to 44 tonnes and improve safety and access.
December 2026
Temporary bypass removed and creek restored.
