Q150 bridge naming project: Metropolitan

Q150 bridge names announced

The Honourable Craig Wallace MP, Minister for Main Roads, recently announced new bridge names to celebrate Queensland's 150th birthday. The department would like to thank local communities for making the bridge naming such a success. The names chosen reflect the communities' input, local history or an important local identity.

  • Bundamba Creek Bridge has been named Box Flat Bridge to commemorate the proud mining history of the area, in particular Box Flat mine. The mine was closed in 1972, after a major gas explosion took the lives of 17 miners. Box Flat mine was a significant coal mine in the network of mines once operating at Swanbank near Bundamba Creek.
  • Deebing Creek Bridge has been named Deebing Creek Mission Bridge. The name commemorates and honours the Deebing Creek Aboriginal mission and cemetery. The mission was closed around 1914 and relocated to land presently owned by the Purga Elders and Descendants Aboriginal Corporation.
  • Little Bundamba Bridge will now be known as Coalstars Bridge to commemorate the first women's soccer match held in Ipswich 80 years ago. The Bundamba Coalstars was the first Ipswich team to enter the Brisbane women's soccer competition in 1965, and went on to win the premiership in 1976.
  • Six Mile Creek Bridge has been named Aussie Philipsen Bridge in recognition of the extensive contribution to the local community by Mr Aussie Philipsen over the past 26 years. He has worked with the Ripley Valley taskforce, State Emergency Services and Emergency Services cadets, and has been a foster carer for more than seven years.
  • The new name for Woogaroo Creek Bridge is Lloyd Bird Bridge to commemorate local botanist Mr Lloyd Bird. Mr Bird is an Order of Australia Medal recipient for his work with native flora and has discovered over 15 plants in the Ipswich area. One of these plants is the Cooneana Olive which has been placed on the critically endangered species list.
  • The new bridge which is part of the Houghton Highway duplication has been named Ted Smout Memorial Bridge. Ted Smout was Queensland's last surviving World War I digger, a legend not only in the Brighton/Sandgate area, but the whole country. In 2000 he was made Brisbane Citizen of the year and was also a French Legion of Honour recipient. Ted lived to a ripe old age of 106 years.  
  • The Acacia Ridge rail overpass will now be known as Olive Drew Bridge. Olive Drew was the Acacia Ridge postmistress for almost 50 years, retiring in 1947. She was actively involved in local community and church events as well as fostering over 30 children. She also acted as a midwife to the local community.

Last updated: 18 November 2009