NEW BRIDGE FOR CEMENT CREEK, EAST WARBURTON

VISITORS to the popular Redwood Forest and East Warburton locals will experience safer road conditions once a new bridge – over the Yarra River – on Cement Creek Road East Warburton is built. The Liberal and Nationals Government is contributing $165,000 towards the total project cost of $330,000.

“The popular Redwood Forest is a significant tourist attraction in the Upper Yarra. The existing, narrow bridge, is inappropriate for the large number of cars now using it”, said Tony Smith.

“Visitors to the Upper Yarra region, including many from suburban Melbourne, would not be expecting to travel on a single lane bridge on a road that is narrow and winding”, added Mr Smith.

“A contribution of $165,000 of federal funding toward the overall cost will allow the Yarra Ranges Council to replace the existing bridge as well as attach a pedestrian/cycling horse board walk leading to this very popular tourist attraction”, said Mr Smith.

Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Liberals and Nationals in Government are committing $640 million for vital bridgeworks between 2015–16 to 2022–23, with an ongoing commitment of $85 million each year following.

“The Bridges Renewal Program provides up to 50 per cent of the cost of repairing or replacing old and unsafe local bridges, which is a fantastic win for local communities,” Mr McCormack said.

“Under Round 4, the Government has committed $57 million to help fund vital local bridgeworks following the completion of an open, merit-based selection process.”