Local councils and state and territory governments are encouraged to apply for funding available under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).

Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster said the programs presented an opportunity to deliver better and safer bridges and freight roads in Mallee.

“These two funding rounds have a combined $300 million available to help upgrade and replace damaged or deteriorating bridges and improve key heavy vehicle infrastructure,” Dr Webster said.

“Under these programs, proponents can apply for funding of up to 50 per cent of project costs for up to five projects to a limit of $2 million per project for councils and $2.5 million per project for state and territory governments.

“This allows communities to prioritise and fast-track their highest priority infrastructure projects, providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy.

“Every single job that we can support in Mallee means more money flowing across our communities at a time it is needed most.”

“We have already experienced the benefits of both the HVSPP and the BRP, delivering real safety improvements in Mallee. Just one example is $2.1 million for the construction and sealing of shoulders as well as pavement repairs between Dooen and Hopetoun delivered under Round 6 of the HVSPP.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the funding would help deliver safety enhancing projects right across Australia.

“These two important programs form part of our ongoing commitment to keep heavy vehicle drivers safe and improve our road network,” Mr Buchholz said.

“We know how critical efficient freight networks are to the national economy and indeed to all Australians, with the COVID-19 crisis showcasing just how vital the work of our freight operators is.

“I encourage local councils and state and territory governments to apply for funding under these programs by the 29 May 2020 closing date – and we’d like to see applications from right across the nation.

“Continuing to invest in road infrastructure projects is important now more than ever to support local jobs, underpin economic growth and ensure all Australians can reach their destinations sooner and safer.”

“By investing in programs like these, we are backing our hard-working truck drivers by providing them with the infrastructure they need and deserve to get around safely and efficiently.

More than 450 projects funded through the BRP and HVSPP across the country have either been completed or are well underway.

For more information and to apply visit:

www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges
www.infrastructure.gov.au/hvspp