Tramway Lift Bridge over Maroochy River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Tramway Lift Bridge over Maroochy River |
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Tramway Lift Bridge over Maroochy River
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| Location | Store Road, Nambour, Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919 - 1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1921 |
| Official name: Tramway Lift Bridge over Maroochy River | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 7 February 2005 |
| Reference no. | 602527 |
| Significant period | 1920s (fabric) 1921-2003 (historical use) |
| Significant components | tower, pier/s (bridge), machinery/plant/equipment - transport - rail |
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The Tramway Lift Bridge over Maroochy River is a special old railway bridge located on Store Road in Nambour, Sunshine Coast Region, Queensland, Australia. It was built in 1921. This bridge is important because it helped move sugarcane from farms to the mill. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 7 February 2005, which means it's recognized as a significant historical site.
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The Bridge's Story
The Moreton Central Sugar Mill started crushing sugarcane in 1897. This mill was very important for the town of Nambour. The lift bridge was a key part of the Moreton Central Sugar Mill Cane Tramway. This tramway was a network of railway lines that connected the mill to many sugarcane farms. It was used until late 2003 and helped the mill become very successful.
Building the Tramway Network
Building the tramway lines was tricky and expensive because of the hilly land. This made it hard to get enough sugarcane to the mill. By 1905, the mill bought its first train, a Krauss locomotive. At that time, there were about 26 miles (42 km) of permanent tram lines.
In 1911, a new line was built to the Maroochy River. While the eastern part of the tramway kept growing, some lines on the western side were sold in 1914.
A New Bridge for the River
Two short sections of line were built on the north side of the river. However, a shortage of steel and workers during and after World War I slowed down more building. Many lines were only temporary, used just during the sugarcane crushing season.
In 1917, a lift-up bridge was built over Petrie Creek. Then, in 1920, the mill asked the government for permission to build a bridge over the Maroochy River. This was approved on May 10, 1920. The new bridge was also a lift bridge and was finished by August 1921.
How a Lift Bridge Works
The lift part of the bridge was needed because the tramway lines had to be flat with the land on both sides of the river. This meant the bridge would be too low for boats to pass underneath. To solve this, bridges with a moving section were designed.
There are three main types of moving bridges:
- Bascule bridge: Two sections swing upwards.
- Swing bridge: A part of the bridge rotates away from the river.
- Lift bridge: The middle part of the bridge can be raised straight up.
The Maroochy bridge is a lift bridge. Its moving section is between two towers. It can be lifted vertically using cables, pulleys, and heavy counterweights. When lifted, the bridge stays flat, allowing boats to pass below. While larger lift bridges use engines, the Maroochy bridge is operated by hand. Lift bridges are now quite rare, and this one is thought to be the only remaining tramway lift bridge in Queensland.
Connecting More Farms
The moving part of the Maroochy bridge lifts up 26 feet (7.9 m) high. This creates a space 17 feet 6 inches (5.33 m) above the high water mark for boats. This bridge connected sugarcane farms in the northern areas to the tramway system.
It was later extended to link with a separate line built in 1922 between Coolum Creek and Coolum Beach. This line officially opened in 1923. It was also used to carry passengers, which helped develop tourism in the area.
Changes Over Time
Work on the mill and the tramway continued through the 1930s. During World War II, the mill's operations slowed down because shipping was difficult and there weren't enough workers.
In 1951-52, many repairs were done, and lines were relaid. In 1961, the mill bought diesel trains. This meant the bridges had to be made stronger, and heavier rails were laid along the tramways.
The lift-up bridge over Petrie Creek no longer exists. This makes the Maroochy River bridge a very rare and special example of its kind in Queensland.
What the Bridge Looks Like
The tramway lift bridge is a low timber bridge that crosses the Maroochy River. It connects the former depot area on the south bank to Store Road on the north bank. The river banks beneath the bridge have been strengthened with stones.
The bridge stands on timber piers that are covered in concrete. A section of the bridge near the southern bank can move. This moving section is located between two timber towers. The lift part can be raised by hand using a chain system. Cables and pulleys on the timber towers, balanced by concrete counterweights, help lift it.
The bridge carries metal tramway lines that are 2 feet (0.61 m) wide. These lines are laid over timber sleepers. Two metal ladders with metal handrails allow access to the top of the lift towers. There is a tubular metal guardrail at the top for safety.
Why This Bridge Is Special
The Tramway Lift Bridge over Maroochy River was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 7 February 2005. This means it's recognized for several important reasons:
A Look into Queensland's Past
The Moreton Central Sugar Mill operated for many years, from 1897 until December 2003. During the 20th century, growing sugarcane was the most important industry in the Maroochy area. It played a huge part in the growth of Nambour and the Maroochy Shire. The tramway, which brought sugarcane from farms to the mill, was essential for the mill to work.
The line between Nambour and Coolum was also used for passengers in the 1920s and 1930s. This helped tourism grow in the area by connecting the main train station in Nambour to popular places like Coolum and Maroochydore.
A Rare Find
The timber lift bridge that carries the tramway across the Maroochy River is very rare. It might even be the only bridge of its type still standing in Queensland.
Showing How Lift Bridges Work
Even though it's not a huge bridge, it clearly shows how a lift bridge operates. It has a moving section between two towers, with pulleys and counterweights that lift the section. This allows boats to pass underneath.
