McCORMACK WELCOMES NEW BRIDGE FUNDING BUT WARNS OF UPCOMING INFRASTRUCTURE CUTS

Member for Riverina Michael McCormack has welcomed more than $4.8 million in funding for the widening of the bridge over Burrangong Creek on Henry Lawson Way.

 “The pathway to upgrading the Burrangong Creek Bridge began in 2017 under the former Liberal and Nationals Government,” Mr McCormack said.

 “Under Round 3 of the Bridges Renewal Program, we funded the full design of the bridge, bringing the project up to ‘shovel-ready’ status.

 “With construction ready to begin, Hilltops Council has now received $4.8 million from the Federal Government to fully realise the project.

 “Upgrades to the bridge are necessary to support usage of Henry Lawson Way by B-doubles and other heavy freight.

 “Once the project is completed, it will be great to see the improved throughput on Henry Lawson Way paying dividends in the Riverina and Central West.”

 In light of impending infrastructure cuts, Mr McCormack hopes the regions will not be unfairly targeted.

 “The Albanese Government has been undertaking a ‘90-Day Infrastructure Review’ into projects funded by the former Liberal and Nationals Government for more than six months now,” Mr McCormack said.

 “It’s now come out that projects funded and planned to begin construction by the former Government may be cut or delayed as a cheap way to fight inflation caused by Labor’s mismanagement.

 “I’m calling on Infrastructure Minister Catherine King to ensure regional Australia isn’t unfairly targeted when Labor begins its cuts.

 “Whilst it is good to see Labor acknowledge the importance of upgrading Burrangong Creek Bridge, I do fear Labor will revert to its historical trend of cutting projects in the bush once it releases the findings of its 90-day review.”