Initiated in 2019, the Cassowary Bridge project was designed to mitigate the habitat fragmentation caused by the Bruce Highway, particularly at Smiths Gap between El Arish and Tully. This area serves as a crucial corridor, linking the Mission Beach cassowary population to the World Heritage-listed rainforests to the west. The highway had long posed a barrier, contributing to vehicle-related cassowary fatalities and isolating wildlife populations. The bridge aims to provide safe passage for cassowaries and other native animals, supporting genetic diversity and reducing mortality.

Design and Construction

The bridge features a vegetated overpass that blends with the surrounding environment to encourage animal use. Fencing along the highway guides animals toward the crossing, minimising road accident risks. The project was fully funded by the Australian Government under the Bruce Highway Overtaking Lane Program and was completed in early 2024 at a total cost of $40.7 million.

C4’s Involvement

C4 was not consulted on the location of the bridge during the planning stages, and only became actively involved in the later stages of the project. In 2024, C4 was commissioned to supply and plant vegetation on the bridge, helping make it functional and appealing to cassowaries. While opposed to the location of the bridge, C4 president Peter Rowles expressed support for the investment in the welfare of local wildlife. Rowles states that C4 would “do whatever it can to ensure that it acts as an effective crossing for wildlife between Mission Beach and the western side of the Bruce Highway.”

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite its innovative approach, the project faced challenges, including delays and budget overruns. Originally estimated at under $10 million with completion expected in 2020, the project ultimately cost over $40 million and was finished in early 2024. Concerns were also raised about the steepness of the bridge ramps, with some questioning their accessibility for cassowaries.

Time will tell

Although it encountered difficulties and criticism, the Cassowary Bridge stands as an example of collaborative conservation aimed at protecting endangered wildlife. The bridge’s success in facilitating wildlife movement will be monitored over time, offering valuable insights for future conservation initiatives.