In a tribute to the region’s rich exploratory history, the newly constructed weir bridge at Mt Crosby has been officially named “Explorers Bridge,” with signage installed earlier this month marking the occasion.
The naming decision comes at a particularly fitting time, coinciding with the 200th anniversary of explorers John Oxley and Allan Cunningham’s historic journey to this section of the Brisbane River.
While community consultation yielded over 100 responses, with more than one-third favouring “Belle Vue Mountain Bridge” – a nod to the area’s original white settlement name – local authorities opted for an alternative.
Cr Greg Adermann explained the reasoning behind setting aside the popular choice: “Not far away is Bell’s Crossing, and in the event of a future flood, we could have a scenario where Bell’s Crossing is under but Belle Vue Bridge is still open. That could lead to confusion with local motorists about what is open and what isn’t.”
Bridge to the Past
The chosen name, Explorers Bridge, honours the legacy of two significant figures in Australian exploration. John Oxley, an English explorer and surveyor, made detailed observations of the area during his expedition.
On 23 September 1824, after ascending Mt Crosby, he noted in his diary: “The country did not seem ill-peopled, fires being seen in every quarter from the eastern ranges of Mt Warning to the distant west.”
His companion, Allan Cunningham, brought botanical expertise to the expedition. Cunningham, who arrived at Sydney Cove aboard the Surry in December 1816, joined the exploration at the suggestion of Governor Lachlan Macquarie while awaiting the expedition’s departure.
Oxley’s contributions to Australian exploration extended beyond the Brisbane River region. In 1823, under Governor Brisbane’s direction, he led a northern expedition in search of a new penal settlement site.
During this journey, he was captivated by the Tweed River valley, describing it as “beautiful beyond description” with its “deep rich valley clothed with magnificent trees” and the magnificent backdrop of Mt Warning.
The new interpretative signage has been strategically placed to allow pedestrians and cyclists crossing the old weir bridge to safely stop and learn about this significant piece of local history.
Published 24-October-2024
