Random Bollocks From A Semi-Retired Foamer!

Maroochy Lift Bridge

By: Brad Peadon

 Progress is rarely kind to those of us with an interest in railway history.

 However, having witnessed so much wiped out over the last few decades, there is little left to destroy that would really bother me anymore.
  Much of what I once held dear has been ripped out, torn down, scrapped, or otherwise disposed of, leaving an empty shell of a hobby that the new railfan generation fight over like seagulls to the last remaining chip from your Macca's Unhappy Meal.

However, this week I received word that they were about to remove the lifting span section of the 'Maroochy River' lifting bridge, a heritage listed reminder of the former Moreton Mill, and the last one of two that once served the area.
Built in 1921, yes just short of 100 years ago, this bridge has a long history that has even included passenger trains to Coolum Beach.
While this was initially a great shock, I am relieved to hear that they plan to photograph, tag and place it in storage until a plan can be made for future preservation.
It does make sense. Looking at what has become of it in the last 17 years, and the massive cost to restore it again, it was only going to be a continual financial drain to have it where it is currently.
I personally had hoped that, if this was to be the future for it, that at least one span either side could also be saved as it would add a bit more meaning to the overall display. Beggars can't be choosers I guess.
I believe that the rest of the bridge will remain in place for now. At least until the next major flood see it float downstream.

Lift Bridge On Wikipedia
Maroochy Shire Tramways Website

I suspect that I first came across the bridge in 1994, on a follow up to my first Queensland trip the year prior.

That first visit saw me in Nambour for only one day, but ignited a passion that till exists to this day, seventeen years after closure.

I would return annually, exploring more of the system each time, and trying to photographically record as much as possible. Even back then, there was a general feeling that urban development would soon make the sugar mill unviable.

I could not begin to determine how many hours I used to sit on the banks of the Maroochy River, either watching the trains going backward and forth over the bridge or, in more quite times, mentally formulating how I could build a model train layout of the area should the real one no longer be available to experience.

Even after closure, I found myself sitting there for extended periods of time.

Locomotive BLI BLI has always been a popular one with fans.
Today she remains active, hauling cane around Fiji.

The crew of MORETON stop for a break on the riverbank.
The bridge is in the darkness beyond, the 'no fishing' sign being just visible.

A rather unfriendly looking spider takes exception to our photographic activities.

While that lift bridge model has not yet eventuated, I still have all the detail shots and (somewhere) the measurements we made while we crawled over it back in 2003. One day it will eventuate...I hope.
The following are a number of detail shots that I have taken. These were all taken on the year after closure (2004), one year before it was placed on the 'Queensland Heritage Register'

Back in 2003 I ran a group called 'LocoShed Australia'.

A good portion of our membership had some level of interest in the Moreton Mill tramways, and there was much coverage of the final years in our Yahoogroup forum.
  As part of a visit for the final crush, I felt compelled to organise a group BBQ at River Depot, where members could catch up to reminisce, munch on a BBQ and watch the trains (plus our bridge) at work.
  Oh, in case you were going to ask, yes, we did have official permission from Bundaberg Sugar.

L to R: David Xuereb, Brad Peadon, Daven Walters

This was the shorter brother of the Maroochy River bridge. It crossed Petrie Creek (Clarks line) and served a couple of farms on the south side.
It would never have been near as busy. 

No posting about our beloved bridge would be complete without mention of my good friend Andrew Palser (blue shirt, in below photo, if you are unaware) who has spent the last couple of years raising awareness, and a huge amount of interest, in my beloved bridge.
I have no doubt that his immense efforts have lead to the decision to remove the bridge and store it for future preservation.
Thank you Andrew (and Karin) for your dedication to the bridge, your friendship and making this Sydneysider always feel so welcome.
 Oh, better add Ricky and Lucy in there as well.
Andrew's Facebook group for the bridge can be found HERE!
The following shots were taken at the Nambour Tramfest back in December 2018.

Thank to noted modeller Jim Fainges, we can still witness the bridge in scale form.
His son Ian has restored the model and sent these photos to the Maroochy Shire Tramways SIG.

We are gradually working on an e-publication for those with an interest in the final year, and subsequent removal, of the Moreton Mill sugar tramway system.
Compiled with information from the late George Hadley (rail shift supervisor), LocoShed Australia member posts and personal observations.
We aim to also include what has become of locomotives/rollingstock, drawings and what remains to be seen today.
If you can help, please contact me.

Thanks to Ian Fainges and Andrew Palser.

Further Information:

Maroochy Shire Tramways SIG Group.

Maroochy Shire Tramways Website.

Maroochy River Lifting Bridge Group.

Nambour Historical Society/Museum.

Nambour Tram Page