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Ulverstone Leven River Bridge under construction.

Project Background

The existing Leven River Bridge was built in 1934 and is nearing the end of its operational life. A new bridge is being built, that will be both functional and a landmark feature, providing additional safety features for road users.

Project Benefits

• Improved safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists
• A shared footpath for pedestrians and cyclists
• Reduced maintenance costs

Heritage and Environment Values

• The replacement bridge will be constructed with minimal environmental impacts
• The shore areas at each end of the bridge will be landscaped by Council following construction
• The existing bridge provides an early example of composite steel and concrete construction. In recognition of these historical values, a partial cross section of the existing bridge will be retained for use as an historic monument

Ulverstone: (pop ~10,000) is one of the larger towns on the north-west coast of Tasmania. It is situated at the mouth of the Leven River, about 15 min drive west of Devonport. The area's economy is dependent on agriculture and tourism, with the extensive beaches affording safe swimming and fishing.

Ulverstone itself is known for its many parks, each offering something unique. ANZAC Park has a good children's playground and barbeque areas; Fairway Park has a bird sanctuary and water-slide; Shropshire Park has a footpath inscribed with Royal Australian Navy history; and Legion Park has great coastal views. In addition there is Tobruk Park, the Boer War Memorial, and Queens Gardens.

Ulverstone Leven River was hit hard by the January floods.

Leven river cruises are now open and operating since the floods.

Check times of tour at the time of booking due to tidal changes.

Jan Bond, the Central coast Council mayor will open the official opening of the Central Coast Community Shed at the Ulverstone Show Ground on Saturday, April 9, 2011 at 11.00 a.m.

A  lovely 3 course served meal to have on the banks of the Leven River in Ulverstone.

Personalised service one to one basis on the Leven River Cruises.

IT'S DANGEROUS: Discover the Leven River Tours owner-operator Kim Haines checks out the debris washed up on the banks and pontoon of the Leven River after the recent flooding. Picture: Katie McDougall.

River's hidden dangers

BY KATE PRESTT

24 Jan, 2011 01:00 AM

LEVEN River users should be aware of the dangers lurking just below the surface, with the possibility of someone being seriously injured.

Discover the Leven River Tours owner-operator Kim Haines said since the flooding on January 14, the river has undergone some dramatic changes.

"There is a lot of debris in the river, objects that wouldn't usually be in our waterways," Ms Haines said.

"At high tide some objects are fully submerged and it creates an extremely dangerous situation."

"These spear-like limbs are just a few inches below the water's surface and if you don't see it, you don't think about it and that's when it could become a danger."

Ms Haines said all river users need to be made aware of the risks involved in using the waterway, especially those not familiar with Leven River.

"Boaters, jetskiers, skiers and swimmers need to be advised of the danger items in the water," she said.

Almost two weeks after the flooding there continues to be hay bales littering the river as well as other objects.

"Trees have been displaced and lodged around the river bed and stuck into the silt build-up in the middle of the bed," she said.

Ms Haines said everything drifting down the river was washing up in the swimming areas of the beaches.

"I've seen people swimming down at the East foreshore beaches where logs, some with three-foot girths are washing up," Ms Haines said.

"Even though the floods have subsided, if that log rolled into you from a wave, it could knock you out, and push you under."

On Saturday, Ms Haines took a group on a cruise following the same track she had done for the past four days, this time she hit a submerged log.

Ms Haines said boaters should check tide times before heading out.