A popular local bridge catering to more than 13,500 vehicles a day has been officially renamed after a Townsville icon in an Ordinary Council meeting earlier today.
The Louisa Creek bridge, making up a section of Blakey's Crossing, will soon be touted the Ewen Jones bridge, recognising the contributions of former Member for Herbert, the late Ewen Jones who lost his battle with Cancer in 2023.
Divisional Councillor and friend, Ann-Maree Greaney said she was honoured to be part of Louisa Creek bridge's renaming of the Townsville icon after his tireless efforts in securing funding across the city, including for the formally flood-plagued section of Ingham Road.
"Ewen was an absolute Townsville icon, a friend, father and of course the member for Herbert from 2010 – 2016, who worked tirelessly for the people of Townsville," Cr Greaney said.
"Following Ewen's passing, it was unanimously agreed in a Council meeting earlier this year that a city asset should be named after Ewen, and after discussions with the Jones family we're delighted to announce Louisa Creek bridge will be renamed the Ewen Jones bridge."
Councillor Greaney said Townsville locals would remember that it would only take a 'drop of sweat' to close the formally flood plagued Blakey's Crossing before its $24 million upgrade which opened in 2014.
"Ewen was instrumental in lobbying all levels of government to come to the table to when it came to funding the flood immunity project, which is an incredibly difficult task when you're in Opposition, however in 2012 the State Government came to the table," Cr Greaney said.
"The project single handedly changed the daily commute for thousands of Townsville locals, especially as the northern suburbs and Ingham Road industrial estates grew.
"Today councillors voted unanimously to rename the bridge, and I think that says a lot, that regardless of what side of the political fence you sit, people are able to recognise what a fighter and what a leader Ewen was for Townsville.
"I'm so glad we can recognise Ewen's contributions to our great city in just a small way and I know I will crack a smile and remember the larrikin everyone loved the next time I drive over Blakey's Crossing and see that Ewen Jones bridge."
Ewen's wife, Linda Jones said flood proofing Blakey's crossing was a top priority for Ewen going into politics.
"Blakey's Crossing was notorious for going under, bringing traffic to a standstill at the drop of any decent rain, so going into politics Ewen really wanted to be able to deliver a solution to the community and the fact he was able to do it while in Opposition lobbying all levels of Government showed just how much of a fighter he was for Townsville," Mrs Jones said.
"While Ewen certainly was not one to be walked over, or driver over for that matter, I know he would be humbled to have this bridge named after him.
"He worked tirelessly, and our family are incredibly proud of everything he accomplished and tried to accomplish for Townsville. We miss him everyday."
A new sign renaming Louisa Creek bridge will be officially unveiled in the new year.
