Council seeks feedback to name bridge crossing at Baffle Creek

Gladstone Regional Council is encouraging community feedback on the naming of a bridge which crosses Euleilah Creek on Hills Road at Baffle Creek.

To date, the bridge has been commonly referred to as ‘Euleilah Bridge’ or ‘Euleilah Creek Bridge’, but a recent Council report has highlighted the need to define the exact location of the bridge.

Naming the bridge is intended to assist residents in the time of emergency.

At Council’s 17 December 2019 meeting, it was resolved to authorise the Chief Executive Officer to include the names Charlie Ikstrums and Ted (Edward) Hardy to the approved place names Register and to undertake community consultation for the naming of the bridge along Hill’s Road crossing, Euleilah Creek.

Council has received multiple asset naming requests with five options presented, all of which demonstrate appropriateness to the physical, historical and cultural character of the area.

Those options were:

Euleilah Bridge
Ted (Edward) Hardy Euleilah Bridge
Charlie Ikstrums Bridge
Ikstrums Hardy Bridge
Hardy Ikstrums Bridge.

Council is now seeking feedback from the community to further discuss the potential naming options and come to a recommendation to present at a Council meeting later in the year.

The community can have their say via Council’s Conversations online platform, https://conversations.gladstone.qld.gov.au or via a reply paid mailout to be sent to Baffle Creek residents.

The community engagement period will close at 5pm on Monday 16 March. Gladstone Regional Council CEO Leisa Dowling said the survey would help Council understand community preference around the recommended options.

“Council Officers have been investigating the proposed nominated names and their history within the Baffle Creek community,” Ms Dowling said.

“Ted Hardy and Charlie Ikstrums were notable residents of Baffle Creek who both played key, unique roles in the community.

“Mr Hardy played a major role in campaigning for the bridge to be constructed, was paramount in submitting the proposal for the bridge, seeking its approval and overseeing its construction.

“He was heavily involved in the community and his achievements include President of the Rosedale Branch Country Party and Secretary of the Baffle Creek branch of the Queensland Dairy Organisation.

“Mr Ikstrums has been instrumental in the growth and development of the Baffle Creek community for almost 40 years.

“Some of his achievements include representing Australia in wheelchair basketball, including the 1984 Paralympics, and has a long list of representation within community organisations.

“He has also served as a Councillor for Miriam Vale Shire Council.”

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