McCormack secures $5.5m in funding for vital bridge projects
The Nationals’ Member for Riverina, Michael McCormack, has secured more than $5 million in funding to repair or replace a number of bridges in the region.
The funding is part of round three of the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.
Two bridges in the Hilltops Regional Council have been granted funding – for replacing the Bundarbo Road Bridge and duplicating the Burrangong Creek Bridge.
The Trungley Hall Road culvert, in Temora Shire, will be replaced with funds from the program.
Mr McCormack stressed the importance of maintaining infrastructure in the Riverina and Central West.
“I’m proud to announce this important funding to keep our communities linked through vital road networks in our regional and rural communities,” Mr McCormack said.
“This funding, which I’ve been able to secure for the people of the Riverina and Central West, means not just improving and enhancing the safety of our roads, but creating jobs for our region.”
Today’s announcement brings the total money the Liberals and Nationals’ in Government have dedicated to fixing bridges in the region over recent years to $11,546,105, including:
- Beazleys Lane Bridge, Weddin Shire Council – $50,000 of $100,000 total project cost
- Blacks Bridge replacement, Weddin Shire Council - $425,000 of $850,000
- McHenrys Creek Bridge widening, Young Shire Council - $419,000 of $838,000
- Kadina Bridge replacement, Parkes Shire Council - $297,000 of $595,000
- Eunony Bridge replacement, Wagga Wagga City Council - $4,906,000 of $9,812,000
- NEW Bundarbo Road Bridge replacement, Hilltops Council - $4,672,537 of $9,445,075
- NEW Burrangong Creek Bridge duplication, Hilltops Council - $573,568 of $1,147,137
- NEW Trungley Hall Road Culvert replacement, Temora Shire Council - $203,000 of $407,600
Hilltops Council General Manager Anthony McMahon said the funding was an important step in ensuring the integrity of the region’s road network.
“Quality road infrastructure is not only important from a safety point of view, it’s vital to the transport of freight in and out of our region, and is a necessary part of ensuring we attract visitors – and potential new residents – to the region,” Mr McMahon said.
“Council is certainly appreciative of the funding provided under the Bridges Renewal program; from our perspective, it’s considered one of the most valuable and targeted programs offered by the Federal Government.”
Temora Mayor Rick Firman said the funding was a welcome boost.
“Temora Shire is very grateful to Minister McCormack for supporting our application,” Councillor Firman said.
“We commend Minister McCormack for allocating money for rural and regional areas that really need assistance.”
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the $162.53 million funding toward round three of the Bridges Renewal program was in addition to the $216 million committed under the first two rounds.
“The renewal and upgrade of 186 bridges under this round will deliver social and economic benefits throughout regional Australia,” Mr Chester said.
The Federal Government’s financial commitment in this round will be matched by successful proponents. To allow for a wider distribution of projects, the Australian Government’s contribution under round three has been limited to $5 million per project.
For more information on the program, including a full list of successful Round Three projects is available at www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges.