Save Cambanoora Gorge Natural Crossings

The Southern Downs Regional Council (SDRC) has commissioned a preliminary evaluation into engineering solutions in the 13 natural river crossings of the Condamine River, on the Condamine River Road, through the Cambanoora Gorge. In 2018, SDRC engaged a firm of Engineers to write a report on how to "improve safety outcomes, accessibility to the properties along the road and support the economic development of the region, whilst maintaining the environmental qualities of the Cambanoora Gorge". The report presented seven options including low level roadways, medium and high level culverts and bridges with civil works projected to begin in 2020.

SDRC are now progressing with the design of 13 concrete structures in a distance of 12 kilometres in the Cambanoora Gorge, with surveyors now completing a survey of all the remaining natural crossings of the Cambanoora Gorge.

The Condamine River forms the headwaters of the longest river in Australia, feeding into the Darling River and the Murray River. The Condamine River and the Ranges from which it rises is considered an extremely important part of the surviving Gondawana Lands, and as such, should be protected from any damage or destruction.

The concreting of the remaining 13 natural crossings, and the associated civil works in the Cambanoora Gorge, will result in extreme and irreversible damage to river banks, surrounding vegetation, river life, threatened and endangered species of wildlife, and cultural and historical sites. The heavy machinery turn outs and material depots required for this project, would mean the destruction of wide and deep sections of the landscape around all the crossings.

Installing and constructing thirteen (13) concrete structures in a distance of less than 12 kilometres will have a detrimental impact on one of the most rare and valuable natural assets remaining in Southern Queensland. It is proven that this proposed form of hard engineering to rivers has a dramatic impact on river systems either ceasing to flow or with significant reduced flows.

The Cambanoora Gorge is home to endangered and threatened flora and fauna including the Koala and Playtpus. Despite more than 100 years of European settlement in the Gorge, the riparian vegetation throughout the Gorge and the river is of good health. In addition, the aquatic habitat within the Gorge is in good health with a high level of stream features to provide habitat for aquatic organisms.

This special place is a part of the very fabric of local and regional identity. It is a vital link to our past and reminds us, especially children, of what a landscape largely unaltered by the hand of man actually looks like. The Cambanoora Gorge is unique, it is an important and long recognised place of respite and relaxation for locals and tourists alike. The "naturalness" of the 13 river crossings connects us all to our past and to each other, and gives us a point of reference, in a busy man-made world, to how things once were.

An environmental assessment is currently underway.

Thank you to Russell @ AustralianLight Photography for providing his stunning images of Cambanoora Gorge.