JANUARY 18, 2016: THE Whitsunday Regional Council has secured $1.25 million in funding under Round Two of the Liberal National Government’s Bridges Renewal Programme to replace a single lane timber bridge on Dingo Beach Road.The Bridges Renewal Programme underpins the Government’s support for local bridges, which are vital in ensuring communities and local businesses have easy access to essential services, traffic movement and the efficient transportation of road freight.This upgrade of the Gregory River Bridge on Dingo Beach Road will replace a single-lane timber bridge with a two-lane concrete bridge. It means the local community in the Whitsundays will have access to safer and more reliable road access.It was identified as a priority by local government and the works will be managed by local government – showing this Government’s commitment to providing real outcomes from the local level up.The Bridges Renewal Programme is designed to bolster the productivity of Australia’s local bridges, and give councils the support they need to better serve communities and drive greater efficiency in road freight and traffic movement.It is clear that councils have thought seriously about how well their proposal addresses the objectives of the Programme and, in many cases, have taken the time to consult with local industry on their needs and priorities.The total cost of the bridge replacement is estimated at $2.5 million.More on the Bridges Renewal Programme is available online at www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges