A former federal member of parliament and local legend has had his name etched into Townsville's history after the Louisa Creek Bridge was officially renamed today.
The now-Ewen Jones Bridge, which forms part of the formerly flood-stricken section of Blakey's Crossing on Ingham Road, was unveiled today with the late Ewen Jones's family and friends in attendance.
Ewen's wife Linda Jones said her husband worked tirelessly for his community, and his family was extremely proud of what he accomplished and tried to achieve for Townsville.
"Townsville locals know Blakey's Crossing was notorious for going under at the sniff of rain, which would grind the city to a halt when Ingham Road was the main access to Townsville's northern suburbs," Mrs Jones said.
"In 2010, when he was elected, Ewen wasn't going to let anything stop him from getting a solution for the community and worked tirelessly to make sure it happened - not even being in opposition was going to stop him.
"In his maiden speech, Ewen promised the people of Townsville he would work for their betterment 'without fear or favour'. And that's exactly what he did."
Acting Mayor Ann-Maree Greaney said the $24 million upgrade to the formerly flood-prone section of road was a legacy the federal member should be attributed, with the MP working alongside all levels of government to deliver for the community.
"The upgrade of Blakey's crossing is just one example of how Ewen worked his butt off for the Herbert electorate, his tireless lobbying is one of the reasons this bridge is here today," Cr Greaney said.
"In 2012, the state government came to the table and signed on the dotted line, and by 2014, Blakeys's crossing, which includes the now-Ewen Jones Bridge, was opened to traffic.
"He was well respected by people across the political divide and late last year, after discussions with the Jones family, it was unanimously voted in Council to rename the Lousia Creek Bridge in his honour."
Cr Greaney said it was a real honour to stand alongside the Jones family to unveil the new signage on the popular stretch of road.
"With this stretch having more than 13,500 vehicle movements a day, the Ewen Jones Bridge is instrumental in getting people in and out of our city, to and from the northern suburbs. I feel so privileged to have been involved in the renaming of this critical piece of infrastructure," she said.
"Ewen was a larger-than-life character and not someone to be walked over, but rather he connected people with his jovial sense of humour and wit, and I think it's really fitting we could rename the bridge in his honour today."
