Local bridge renewal projects have been put on standby after the Federal Government scrapped its Bridges Renewal Program.
According to a peak Australian grains lobby group, one in six Victorian bridges require urgent upgrades.
Upgrades to Creswick Lawrence Road in Hepburn Shire, Finlay Road in Campaspe Shire, and the Bendigo Livestock Exchange will not be going ahead.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Development, Bridget McKenzie, calls it incredibly disappointing to see the Albanese Government recklessly abandoning rural and regional road safety programs with no care for the consequences.
“By canning the Bridges Renewal Program, Labor is putting the safety of our truck drivers and every day road users at risk by forcing them to take longer routes and use decaying roads and bridges,” Senator McKenzie said.
“It’s time for Infrastructure, Transport, and Regional Development Minister, Catherine King, to hit the road and see the sheer number of creeks, streams, rivers, and channels throughout our beautiful country which require bridge crossings that are safe and sturdy.”
Local government areas that were involved in previous rounds of the renewal funding include Ballarat and Bendigo, Golden Plains, Hepburn, Mount Alexander, and the Macedon Ranges.
