Regional communities across the State are set to benefit from the first round of the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.
Member for the Dubbo electorate Dugald Saunders is encouraging Dubbo Regional Council, Narromine Shire Council and Mid-Western Regional Council to apply for funding to replace priority bridges.
“We went to the 2019 State Election committed to replacing hundreds of ageing timber bridges across regional NSW and better connecting countless small communities in the bush,” Mr Saunders said.
“That’s why I’m encouraging the three councils in the Dubbo electorate to nominate eligible timber bridges for replacement.
“The first round of Fixing Country Bridges is now open and recognises that maintenance of ageing timber bridges across regional NSW is a major burden for local councils and rate payers.”
Mr Saunders said the investment will help keep communities connected and will boost economic and social development in the bush.
“Regional councils maintain more than 1,800 timber bridges across NSW, some of which are more than 80 years old and reaching the end of their life,” Mr Saunders said.
“We promised to help councils replace hundreds of those bridges with structures that are safer and more resilient to natural disasters like bushfire – and now we’re delivering on that commitment.
“This unprecedented funding commitment to repair NSW’s worst timber bridges will increase resilience of bridge stock across the state and deliver a safe and modern road network for generations to come.”
Applications under Round 1 of the Program will close on 24 September 2020, with successful projects announced in late 2020.
Information on Fixing Country Bridges funding criteria, program guidelines and how to submit an application can be found at nswroads.work/fixingcountrybridges.