JMR WITH INFRASTRUCTURE MINISTER McCORMACK & ROAD SAFETY A/MINISTER SCOTT BUCHHOLZ
Sixteen projects across the Ballarat, Bendigo, Corangamite and Gorton electorates 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).
Senator for Victoria Sarah Henderson said the timing couldn’t be better to see funding flow to deliver better and safer bridges and freight roads across a large part of regional Victoria and Melbourne’s west.
“This vital funding will allow communities right across the country to fast-track their highest-priority infrastructure projects, providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy,” Senator Henderson said.
“I am pleased to see sixteen projects across the Ballarat, Bendigo, Corangamite and Gorton electorates will receive more than $6.3 million. This investment in vitally important local infrastructure investment includes:
Ballarat electorate
– Structural upgrade of Telegraph Road Bridge, Mount Prospects: $126,250
– Moorabool Shire Bridge Strengthening Program: $484,000
– Re-construction of 1.4km of Daylesford Clunes Road, Smeaton: $249,931
– Re-construction of 2.3km of Creswick Lawrence Road, North Creswick: $433,915
– Midland Highway Quarry Route Safety Improvements and Pavement Strengthening: $991,500
Bendigo electorate
– Strengthening and widening of Howard Street Bridge: $593,680
– Upgrading Allies Road Bridge: $241,308
– Replacement bridge for Siddles Road Bridge, Barfold: $162,000
– Hartigans Bridge Widening, Sidonia Road, Sidonia: $ 191,500
– Replacement bridge for Shilliday Road Bridge, Barfold: $176,000
– Replacement bridge for Curlys Bridge, Mitchells Lane, Barfold: $143,000
– James Lane Bridge Replacement, James Lane, Tylden: $161,500
Corangamite electorate
– Replacement of load limited structure Slate Quarry Road Bridge Meredith: $1,150,000
– Replacement of King Track over Gellibrand River – CS067: $450,000
– Grays Road Pavement Widening and Strengthening: $580,220
Gorton electorate
– Upgrade of Exford Road between Eynesbury Road and Werribee river: $697,000
“Every single local job we support in regional Victoria by investing in infrastructure projects means one less worry for another Australian and their family, reliable work on the books for local construction companies and more cash flowing through local businesses and communities doing it tough,” Senator Henderson said.
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
29 September 2020