Renewal of 17 bridges across Queensland

SEVENTEEN bridges across Queensland will be upgraded under the first tranche of the Australian Government’s new $300 million Bridges Renewal Programme.

 Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Warren Truss said that $53.36 million in federal funds would be pumped into local Queensland bridges – matched by funding proponents – to improve the state’s road network.

 “The Bridges Renewal Programme is designed to bolster productivity of Australia’s local bridges, to better serve communities and drive greater efficiency in road freight and traffic movement,” Mr Truss said.

 “By upgrading these bridges from, for example, by replacing one-lane timber bridges with two-lane concrete bridges, residents will enjoy better and more reliable road access. Freight from farms and local factories will be able to pass safely along quicker routes with greatly improve productivity.

 “It’s a classic win-win situation. That’s why the Coalition Government identified local bridge upgrades and repairs as a national priority.”

 Queensland Minister for Main Roads and Road Safety Mark Bailey said the new, two-lane concrete bridges would significantly improve access for a number of local communities across regional Queensland.

 “These upgrades are particularly important for people in regional areas who rely on a safe and efficient road network. The planned upgrades will also improve access for the movement of freight and other goods in regional and rural parts of the state.

 “For example, the Peak Downs Highway is one of the primary routes to the coal-rich Bowen Basin. The replacement of four timber bridges with wider, stronger bridge structures and better flood resilience will greatly improve the flow of freight and enhance safety for all road users along this busy route.

 “Importantly, these works will provide jobs in local communities at a time when jobs and job security are more important than ever,” Mr Bailey said.

 Minister Bailey said local councils would play a vital role managing 11 of the 17 bridge upgrades in Queensland.

 The Australian Government is committing $114 million over Round One of the Bridges Renewal programme, committing a total of $300 million over five years from 2014-15.

 MEDIA CONTACTS:

For Mr Truss - Brett Heffernan - 0467 650 020

For Mr Bailey - Minister’s Office - 0438 768 734