Funds for bridges on offer
Councils throughout the region have the chance to get local bridges in poor condition fixed with the help of direct funding from the Federal Government with the commencement of a new round of funding under the $360 million Bridges Renewal Programme.This is a great opportunity for state, territory and local governments to apply for funding to have ageing bridges fixed, with up to half the cost met by the Australian Government. This will be the third round of funding under the programme, which is continuing to keep communities connected and local industries profitable.Our councils can get on board by nominating local bridges that need upgrading or replacement. Residents who might like to put forward their ideas should get in touch with their Council to find out about any plans they have to nominate local bridges, or put forward suggestions.
Need to fast-track Haughton bridge replacement
THE BURDEKIN has been left out in the cold yet again by the State Labor Government due to their failure to bring forward work on the Haughton River Bridge replacement.We have had a fanfare about a State Infrastructure Plan from the Palaszczuk Government and there’s even $20,000 million for fast-tracked planning, but the Haughton River bridge replacement is not going to get a look in before 2019.The replacement of this bridge has been voted the most urgent problem to be fixed on that stretch of the Bruce Highway between Mackay and Townsville.But does that mean the State Labor Government will fast-track the long and drawn-out planning and design process to replace this unsafe bridge?
Funds flow for bridge upgrades
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.
$33 million for Yellow Gin Creek Bridge upgrade
WHILE visiting the Burdekin to open the $50 million Sandy Corner to Collinsons Lagoon upgrade, the Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss announced the approval of $33 million in Liberal National Government funding to construct the Yellow Gin Creek bridge and approaches south of Ayr.This is another huge infrastructure boost for the Burdekin.It will increase safety and connectivity on this 1.6km stretch for freight vehicles, tourists and local motorists by improving safety and flood immunity at the creek crossing.