Old Boy Graeme Haussmann (1944) left Churchie to commence training with Queensland Rail. Highlights included Burdekin R bridge foundations in 1948, quadruplication of Brisbane rail network1950-52 and completing the Biloela to Calcap power station rail link in 1953, after which he joined Townsville City Council and then Cairns, where he worked for Cairns City Council as the City Engineer for 33 years, from 1955 to 1988. It was a pivotal time in the city’s development during which Graeme was responsible for the provision of all of the roads and essential infrastructure. Some of Graeme’s achievements include implementation of the Cairns Master Drainage Scheme, installation of a citywide underground sewer network and construction of Copperlode Falls Dam and associated reservoirs and water-main infrastructure.

In the 1960’s Graeme, as the engineer for the widening and strengthening of the 1933 Edge Hill Bridge in Collins Avenue, enabled it to last for a further 50 years. Due to the increased population and the subsequent need to accommodate more traffic, the bridge had to be rebuilt. The $3.8m road and pedestrian bridge was opened in April 2017 and in recognition of Graeme’s immense contribution was named Graeme Haussmann Bridge. Graeme joked that he thought you had to be dead to get things named after you, but is happy he’s around to see it.

Please click here to see a video of Graeme walking across the bridge and speaking about his achievements after 30 years of civic works.