A Bridge Through Time
A Bridge Through Time: A Brief History of Bundaberg Iconic Bridges – Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads.
A Bridge Through Time is a collection of photographic prints, historical artefacts, and Bundaberg Regional Council Collection artworks that reflect the history of the Bundaberg Region’s heritage listed bridges.
This exhibition offers a unique insight into the importance of these structures to our city landscape, and how despite the changes in the physical and societal makeup of our region during the past 120 years, the Burnett Traffic Bridge and Kennedy Bridge have stood, seemingly unaffected by the changing world around them.
Designed by renowned architect, Alfred Barton Brady, known for his work on a significant number of public works in Queensland, including the Victoria Bridge, Lamington Bridge, and Custom Houses in Rockhampton, Maryborough, Townsville and Mackay, both bridges are in the Queensland Heritage Register and the Register of the National Estate, and are protected under the provisions of the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 and the Bundaberg City Plan.
Opened in 1900, the Burnett Traffic Bridge is a structure of state significance with recognised aesthetic, architectural, historical and social heritage values. The Kennedy Bridge, recognised as the sister bridge to the Burnett Traffic Bridge, was constructed in 1899 and maintains the same styling and cultural significance.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads is committed to preserving these bridges through ongoing maintenance and rehabilitation, and also educating the wider community on the cultural significance of these significant structures and their continued role in providing vital road links for the region.
The Department of Transport and Main Roads would like to thank the State Library of Queensland for the provision of photos for use in this exhibition. These photos were acquired by the department in 2011 for the development of our Cultural Heritage Management Plan for the heritage listed bridges in the Wide Bay Burnett.
Image acknowledgements: Brad Marsellos, Bundaberg Regional Council Art Collection and Ian Smith, Bundaberg Regional Council Art Collection.