Seven bridges in the Murray electorate will be replaced under the NSW Nationals in the state government’s $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program to better connect regional communities and increase resilience to natural disasters.
NSW Nationals Duty MLC for Murray Wes Fang said replacing old timber bridges meant improved community connections to schools, towns and jobs, allowing easier movement of freight and delivering better outcomes for road safety.
“On top of easing the financial burden on councils, this program will create local jobs throughout regional communities at a time when they’re needed most,” Mr Fang said.
“I’m glad that in the Murray electorate alone, we’re going to see seven bridges replaced under this new round of funding because I know what a difference they’ll make to entire communities.”
Bridges to be upgraded are as follows:
• $2,166,275 for Jacksons Bridge, Carrathool Shire Council
• $337,500 for Sandy Creek Bridge, Nap Nap Road, Maude, Hay Shire Council
• $450,000 for Rangemore Road/Jimaringle Creek Bridge, Murray River Council
• $1,200,000 for Sandys Bridge Road/Barber Creek Bridge, Murray River Council
• $900,000 for Drysdale Lane/Merran Creek Bridge, Murray River Council
• $970,000 for Frasers Road/Murrain Yarrein Creek Bridge, Murray River Council
• $1,300,000 for Tooranie Road/Yarrein Creek Bridge, Murray River Council
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said round one of the program will see more than 400 ageing bridges replaced by safer, modern bridges that will better withstand events like floods and bushfires, and ease the burden of maintenance for local councils and ratepayers.
“Regional councils maintain more than 1800 timber bridges across the state, and we’re delivering on our promise to help them replace ageing bridges,” Mr Barilaro said.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Nationals in the state government had accelerated funding for the program with more than $290 million shared across 54 councils to replace 424 bridges in round one.
“That’s hundreds of fast-tracked projects that will start across the state in the next 12 months, helping councils to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected,” Mr Toole said.