Four hundred people have petitioned the Queensland government to raise the level of the bridge crossing the Paroo River west of Eulo.
It comes as fed-up locals and people living further west and south, around Thargomindah and Hungerford, face another season of flooding that can cut them off from basic supplies for weeks at a time.
Warrego MP Ann Leahy tabled the petition asking for the 93-year-old bridge to be raised 1.3m above the existing height in state parliament on November 18.
"Over 400 petitioners signed the petition, a massive effort for the community of Eulo, which boasts around 100 residents," Ms Leahy said.
"The residents of the region see this bridge as essential for the connection for far south west communities during disaster events, for food and medicine.
"The bridge can be closed for up to six weeks, cutting off the school, medical services and grocery supplies to those west of the Paroo River."
The bridge is closed to traffic when flooding reaches 0.3m, but the flood boat is not allowed to be used until a 0.8m height is reached.
Thargomindah's Explorers Caravan Park operator Robyn Dare is one of those affected by the bridge height, saying that if the Paroo River came up at Eulo, 130km to the east, it cut them off to access to virtually everything, mail, food and drinks included.
"It's not just us and businesses like us - it affects everyone who relies on it for access," she said.
There is an alternative way to travel to Thargomindah, via Quilpie, 195km away, but Ms Dare said that if the river was up at Eulo, it generally meant there'd been rain and road closures at Quilpie too.
"It can be a problem four or five times a year - this year we've been cut off eight times," she said. "Business-wise we lose a certain amount too - people have to cancel accommodation bookings."
The responsible minister has one month to reply to the tabling of the petition.
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Sally Gall
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
Based at Blackall, CW Qld, where I've raised a family, run Merino sheep and beef cattle, and helped develop a region - its history, tourism, education and communications. Get in touch at 0427 575 955 if you've got a story idea for me.
