The federal government is investing a further $40 million over the next four years for its bridge renewal program, which seeks to upgrade bridges on Australia’s regional roads to keep freight moving and supply chains open.
The additional $10 million a year means the government’s bridge renewal program will increase to $95 million annually for the next four years.
Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce said the extra funding would support more projects and jobs, while boosting regional industries.
“To make our country as strong as possible as quickly as possible we must support the growth of the industries that drive our economy,” said Joyce, who is also the minister for infrastructure, transport and regional development.
He said many of these industries were in regional Australia, including the mining and agricultural exporting businesses that help pay for the services all Australians rely on.
“Building new bridges and upgrading existing structures will strengthen our freight network and ensure valuable commodities continue flowing to international and domestic buyers,” he said.
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said the additional funding would assist communities to stay connected and improve regional infrastructure.
“Since the bridges renewal program commenced in 2015/16 it has supported 730 projects, of which 495 projects have been completed,” Buchholz said.
The additional investment brings the Australian Government commitment to this program up to nearly $900 million from 2015-16 and 2025-26, with an ongoing commitment of $85 million per year.
Projects funded under the program include replacing old bridges with new bridges, bridge strengthening, bridge widening and replacement of existing water crossings.
In November last year, the program was improved to accept applications on a rolling basis, meaning State, Territory and local governments can plan and submit their best-quality projects, when they are needed.
with AAP