BRIDGES AND HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY FUNDING FLOWS TO MALLEE

Twenty projects across Mallee will receive a share of more than $290 million in Australian Government funding 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 timing couldn’t be better to see funding flow to deliver better and safer bridges and freight roads in the region.

“This vital funding will allow communities across Australia to fast-track their highest-priority infrastructure projects, providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy,” Dr Webster said.

“I am pleased that Mallee will receive a total of $11.2 million for important roads and the Albacutya Bridge received funding. I have been lobbying for this funding since I was elected, so I am particularly pleased with this announcement.”

Projects in Mallee that received funding include: (for a full list go to annewebster.com.au/media

• Albacutya Bridge, and Albacutya Road, Albacutya – $2.14 million (combined bridge and road)
• Upgrade Berriwillock-Birchip Road – $1.5 million
• Henty Highway – Horsham to Lascelles – $2 million
• Kenley Road Reconstruction, Kenley – $1.75 million
• Raywood Rd Reconstruction and Widening, Bridgewater – $330,000

“Infrastructure projects like these mean more jobs for construction companies in Mallee, and more cash flowing through local businesses and communities currently doing it tough. Local transport companies and businesses rely on our roads and bridges being adequate for safety. The Rainbow township and the Hindmarsh Council have spoken to me about these important projects, especially the Albacutya Bridge. I am very excited this has been awarded funding this time around.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said these latest rounds would support 350 projects across the nation.

“I am pleased to deliver more than $290 million in funding to more than 350 projects nationwide, which will upgrade and replace bridges which have been damaged or are deteriorating and improve key heavy vehicle infrastructure,” Mr McCormack said.

“With nearly 80 per cent of this funding going to local councils, the outcome of these rounds will support local workers, households and businesses through a difficult time and position the Australian economy for a strong recovery.

“By improving our road network this funding will also help keep people safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities.

“This includes our truckies, who form an essential part of the backbone of our national economy and have been working tirelessly during COVID-19 to keep shelves stocked, hospitals supplied and the economy moving.

“Now more than ever the continued roll out of road infrastructure projects is important to support local jobs, underpin economic growth and ensure all Australians can reach their destinations sooner and safer and communities can rest assured that’s exactly what our Government is doing.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said 50 per cent of this funding would benefit communities impacted by the ongoing drought and earlier bushfire events.

“$146.97 million in funding through these rounds will go to councils affected by bushfires, drought or both – providing secure work for local construction contractors and businesses who have felt the cumulative impact of these events and now COVID-19 while delivering lasting infrastructure that will benefit the region for years to come,” Mr Buchholz said.

“This includes livestock transport industry projects that will directly support communities currently impacted by drought, being funded under Round 7 of the HVSPP.

“Round 5 of the BRP also provides an opportunity for many councils to begin the process of replacing or upgrading bridges damaged in bushfire events, both rounds demonstrating our steadfast commitment to continue to stand side by side with these communities doing it particularly tough.

“Already more than 500 projects funded through the BRP and HVSPP across the country have either been completed or are well underway and I look forward to getting shovels in the ground on these next projects.”

For more information and a list of successful applicants, visit:

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