Wooden bridge replacements across Kyogle Shire will be fast-tracked by a re-elected Coalition Government, following a $2 million commitment from The Nationals Member for Page Kevin Hogan.
Mr Hogan made the announcement with Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester near Borrebee Park today.
He said the funding would be matched by Kyogle Council and support the replacement of six bridges.
The announced projects include: $525,000 to replace the existing Burt Rayner Bridge; $495,000 to replace the existing J Campbells No.1 Bridge; $350,000 to replace the existing Ottery Bridge; $325,000 to replace the existing Boorabee Park Bridge; $200,000 to replace the existing Hogans No.1 Bridge; and $125,000 to replace the existing Frenchs Creek Bridge;
“This is a terrific outcome for the community with a further injection of funds to help replace another six of Kyogle Shire’s ageing wooden bridges and provide residents with safer and more reliable road access,” Mr Hogan said
“As we saw in the recent floods across the Northern Rivers, easy access for emergency vehicles is crucial to saving people’s lives.
“Kyogle Shire has one of the highest number of ageing wooden bridges in New South Wales and this funding comes on top of the $2.4 million which has already been provided to council by the Coalition.
“In total, the Coalition has now committed $4.4 million to support the replacement of bridges in Kyogle and if re-elected, I will be able seeking further funds to upgrade and replace other bridges which are used by school buses, residents, tourists and are the “first mile” for farmers trying to get their produce to consumers.”
Mr Chester said the Coalition was committed to helping councils make regional road networks safer and more accessible.
“In Government, the Coalition has established programmes designed to maximise the ability of local councils to carry out upgrades which improve safety, efficiency and reliability on local road networks,” Mr Chester said.
“Our Bridges Renewal Programme is bolstering the productivity of local bridges and giving councils the support they need to better serve communities and drive greater efficiency in road freight and traffic movement.
“So far, a total of 242 bridges are being replaced or significantly upgraded to provide residents with better, safer and more reliable road access.
“On top of our commitments to replace bridges in Kyogle Shire, the Coalition is also providing $6.7 million between 2014-15 and 2018-19 to support the maintenance and upgrading of local roads.
“By building better roads we can change lives and save lives.”
