Funding available for bridges and heavy vehicle safety

NORTH Queensland could soon benefit from better bridges and freight roads with applications now open for Round 5 of the Morrison Liberal National Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).

I encourage local councils and state and territory governments to apply for a share of $300 million of funding under the two programs.

Efficient freight networks are critical to the national economy and this funding forms part of the Morrison Liberal National Government’s commitment to keeping heavy vehicle drivers safe and improving our road network.

Under these programs, proponents have the opportunity to seek funding of up to 50 per cent of project costs for up to five projects.

In previous rounds of the Bridges Renewal Program, we’ve seen $2.5 million go towards the new bridge over the Gregory River in the Whitsundays, and $3.3 million in funding go towards the upgrade of the Bowen Road Bridge in Townsville.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said communities affected by the recent bushfires would be assessed as a priority.

“It’s been an incredibly difficult start to the year for so many of our regional communities, particularly those suffering from drought and bushfires,” Mr McCormack said.

“Many bridges and roads were damaged in the fires which is why we will continue to work closely with Local Councils and State and Territory Governments to prioritise and fast-track projects which can be delivered quickly.

“But of course, these funding rounds are open to all areas – both city and country – and we’d like to see applications from right across the nation.

“No matter where you live, the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government is investing in our road infrastructure to help Australians reach their destinations sooner and safer.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said new infrastructure projects means jobs.

“It means more people spending money in local shops and cafés which will provide a huge boost to bushfire-affected economies and also those struggling through drought,” Mr Buchholz said.

“This is why we increased annual funding for Bridges Renewal and HVSPP by a combined $50 million in the last Federal Budget.”

For application forms and details about the programs visit:

www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges

www.infrastructure.gov.au/hvspp

The Federal Government is providing $640 million to the Bridges Renewal Program from 2015-16 to 2022-23, with an on-going commitment of $85 million each year following and $508 million to the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP) from 2013-14 to 2022-23 financial year.

This forms part of the Government’s nation-building $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects busting congestion and getting Australians home safely.