Federal Member for Blair, Shayne Neumann welcomes the Bridges Renewal Program - Round Three funding announcement set to see the Somerset region receive $3.45 million in Federal funding.

The Bridges Renewal Program provides funding for upgrade or replacement of bridges in local communities - contributing up to 50 per cent of the total project cost.

The Bridges Renewal Program is a good idea. It has the potential to boost road safety and productivity in rural and regional areas. 

The Government promised a $180 million spend on upgrades in rural and regional communities over a four year period. Unfortunately it is down $80 million on that promise of four years ago.

With that in mind, it is fortunate that funding has been secured for these projects in the Somerset Region.

Nine projects in the Somerset region received bi-partisan support and were successful in gaining funding under this current round of the program.

The successful projects are Apple Tree Creek, Buaraba Creek, Hawthorne Road,  Pakleppas Bridge, Pryde Creek Bridge, Sandy Creek Culvert, Shallcross Bridge, Western Branch Road Bridges and Yellow Gully Bridge.

All of the projects have been funded for replacement with the majority of projects in the northern area of the Somerset region, an area in much need of bridge and infrastructure renewal.  

“I welcome this much-needed funding for the replacement of these bridges”, Mr Neumann said.

“I am pleased to support these projects and I look forward to the improvements their successful completion will deliver for the Somerset region”.