Swan Hill Rural City Council
Swan Hill Bridge concern
I was dismayed to recently learn that the Federal Government intends to undertake a 90-day review of the Infrastructure Pipeline Program, which includes the funding committed by the former Federal Government of $60 million dollars for the replacement of the Swan Hill Bridge.
Naturally this announcement is cause for great concern for our municipality and the community, who has long advocated for the need to replace the bridge at Swan Hill, as it is no longer fit for purpose.
The Swan Hill Bridge is a truly regional project, which has been confirmed as the number one priority for communities on both sides of the Murray River and supported by two states and seven Councils through the Central Murray Regional Transport Strategy.
Council has played a significant role in discussions regarding the replacement of the bridge and have always sought to look for a positive solution, by engaging with the Federal, New South Wales and Victorian Governments.
My message is very clear, now is not the time to remove the funding for the Swan Hill Bridge but rather to resolve any outstanding issues and commit the necessary funding to construct a new bridge at Swan Hill.
The potential loss of this funding would be irresponsible and detrimental to communities on either side of the Murray River, damaging our local economy, our agriculture and freight industries which will produce an ongoing major negative impact on our region.
I am now urging the community to join us in advocating for a new Swan Hill Bridge.
Council will be collating community feedback regarding the Federal Government 90-day review of the Infrastructure Pipeline Program, which includes the funding committed by the former Federal Government of $60 million dollars for the replacement of the Swan Hill Bridge.
Our community has been led to believe that we will be getting a new bridge at Swan Hill – I am now calling on our community to come together and assist by leaving feedback regarding the impact of withdrawing these vital funds.
Please join us in making the new Swan Hill bridge a reality!
To read The Hon Catherine MP’s media release, please visit: https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/c-king/media-release/securing-australias-120-billion-nation-building-infrastructure-pipeline
