Motorists travelling to Yamba, Angourie and Wooloweyah now have a safer and quicker journey with today’s opening of the new $3.46 million Romiaka Channel Bridge, Federal Member of Page Kevin Hogan and State MP for Clarence Chris Gulaptis said.
“The replacement of this bridge has been a high priority for Clarence Valley council due to its narrow width and poor condition. They came to me asking for help to fund a new bridge,” Mr Hogan said
“I am pleased that the Federal Government contributed $1.73 million to the cost under the Bridges Renewal Program.
“Vehicles will now be able to pass safely, pedestrians and cyclists are separated from traffic with a dedicated shared path, and the longevity of the bridge has been secured.”
Mr Hogan was joined by the NSW Member for Clarence, Chris Gulaptis and Clarence Valley Mayor Jim Simmons to officially open the new Bridge which was co-funded by the Australian and NSW governments and the council.
Mr Gulaptis said: “Due to the condition of the old bridge, it was at risk of having a 20-tonne weight limit imposed.
“Being the only access road to Yamba, Angourie and Wooloweyah from the Pacific Highway, that would have impacted local freight movements and local businesses, adding tens of thousands of extra heavy vehicle movements to the road as larger loads were split to smaller trucks.
“Instead, we have a wider concrete bridge which will serve both the freight industry and the local community for many years to come, co-funded with a $1.73 million investment under the Restart NSW Fixing Country Roads program.”
Clarence Valley Mayor, Jim Simmons, said the old Romiaka Bridge had served the community well but age and increased traffic volumes had taken their toll.
“There is only one way in and out of Yamba, Wooloweyah and Angourie, so this bridge is vital to the people who live in those areas.
“The support of the State and Federal governments was instrumental in getting this project off the ground,” Mr Simmons said.
Major projects Kevin Hogan has delivered for our community include:
- $15 million for expansion of Norco’s Ice-cream factory
- $17 million in grants for nine job-creating projects
- More than 300 new Aged Care beds
- New Headspace in Grafton
- Redevelopment of Oakes Oval.
- New Northern Rivers Regional Art Gallery
- Expanded North Coast Regional Hockey Complex
- Maclean Riverside Precinct
- Casino Amphitheatre
- Southern Cross Lads Safe Driving Course
- Woolgoolga Surf Life Saving Club
- Wollongbar Club House
- Kyogle Aquatic Centre
- Upgrade of Casino Saleyard
- Sealed road to Toonumbar Dam
- Repair of Woodburn to Coraki Road
- Coffs Harbour bypass
- Revitalisation of Kyogle Memorial Institute Hall
- Major upgrade of Culmaran Creek Road
- Upgrade of Harwood Mill and Refinery
- Replacing 20 wooden bridges in Kyogle
- Upgraded Albert Park Baseball Complex
- Upgrade of Casino Hospital Emergency Department
- Six new Trade Training Centres
- Record bulk billing rates
- Record funding for our local schools
- Record health funding
