Both Federal Member for Eden Monaro Dr Peter Hendy and Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor last week announced funding for much needed updates to local bridges in their electorates.

“Today I welcome the much-needed upgrade to local bridges under the Australian Government’s new $300 million Bridges Renewal Programme,” Dr Hendy said.

The Coalition Government is committing $28.5 million – matched by proponents – to 29 projects across New South Wales as part of Round One of the Bridges Renewal Programme.

This includes several bridges around the Southern region such as Candlagan Creek Bridge on Coronation Drive at Broulee, the Abercrombie Bridge between Goulburn and Oberon, Gobarralong Bridge in the Gundagai Shire, 9.3kms east from the Hume Highway near Coolac, Parsonage Creek Bridge at Bombala, Kippilaw and Lansdowne Bridges in Goulburn, Kirkland Rd Bridge and Caalong Bridge near Robertson in the Southern Highlands, and Burrangong Creek Bridge, 12 kms north of Young.

Some $937,000 was announced by Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor for the Kippilaw Bridge renewal, as well as the remaining amount of $1.1 million provided by Goulburn Mulwaree Council, bringing the total cost of the project to approximately $2 million.

He also announced $3.25 million for Lansdowne Bridge in East Goulburn, in addition to another $4.5 million already announced by the State Government.

The Lansdowne bridge works will involve the demolition of the existing State Significant 1902 deBurgh truss structure with work to be carried out by Roads and Maritime Services (RMS).

All in all the Lansdowne Bridge works will cost approximately $7.7 million with the RMS to supplement the federal funding.

“Congratulations to Goulburn Mulwaree Council on securing funding for such an important project,” Mr Taylor said.

“Hume has done particularly well to win funding for five separate projects under the Bridges Renewal Programme, where many other electorates have missed out.

“I can also announce $3.25 million for Lansdowne Bridge in east Goulburn, which is in addition to money already announced by the NSW Government.

“My office is always enthusiastic about helping councils and local communities – with letters of support, with guidance on application preparation, with general advice – to try and get these worthy projects underway,” he said.

Goulburn Mulwaree Mayor Geoff Kettle also welcomed the funding announcement for Kippilaw and Lansdowne Bridges.

He says that the Kippilaw Bridge especially needs a complete replacement, due to regular flooding.

“We’re going to straighten the Gurrundah Road, realign it and raise the height of the new Kippilaw Bridge, because it’s prone to flooding,” he says

“Council budgeted for the work in its 2015-16 operational plan, and the announcement of the funding is most welcome, as it’s an increasingly busy road and an important route for stock carriers.”

In his electorate of Eden Monaro, Dr Peter Hendy announced the injection of almost $1.1 million towards improvements to the Canadlagan Creek Bridge at Broulee in the Eurobodalla Shire.

Bridges get vital funding for upgrades

“The injection of $1,097,000 to upgrade the Candlagan Creek Bridge on Coronation Drive in Broulee will make its use safer and more reliable, while also being a huge fillip for freight providing major benefits for the community and the region,” Dr Hendy said.

“In particular, our programme will improve road access for local traffic and increase efficiency on local roads, which will be a relief to all.

Eurobodalla is a vibrant region and our Government is investing in its continued growth.

These important projects are made possible by close and effective consultation between Local Government Areas and the Commonwealth.

I would like to acknowledge the excellent work of Mayor Lindsay Brown and his team at the Eurobodalla Shire Council.

The Eurobodalla Shire Council will play a significant role in managing this project, ensuring the bridge can continue to contribute to productivity and community access.”

The Federal Government will provide a total commitment of $300 million over five years from 2014-15 for the entire bridges renewal programme.