Swan Hill Rural City Council has adopted the Central Murray Regional Transport Strategy, bringing six councils together behind shared transport priorities and strengthening the region’s ability to advocate for government investment.
The Strategy has been developed through the Central Murray Regional Transport Forum, which includes Swan Hill Rural City Council, Murray River Council, Gannawarra Shire Council, Mildura Rural City Council, Buloke Shire Council and Balranald Shire Council. Swan Hill Rural City Council is currently the lead Council and chair of the Forum.
Council’s Director Infrastructure and Central Murray Regional Transport Forum Chairperson, Leah Johnston said the Strategy provided a strong, united approach to addressing transport challenges across the region.
“This is about six councils speaking with one voice about the transport infrastructure our communities and industries need now and into the future.
“The Central Murray has a significant transport task, with around 7.2 million tonnes of road freight moving in and out of the region each year. We need infrastructure that can support our existing industries while preparing for future growth.
“The Strategy focuses on four key goals - improving freight access and supply chain efficiency, improving community access to services, creating a safer and more resilient transport network, and supporting more sustainable transport.
“It identifies 10 regional priorities covering bridges, rail freight, High Productivity Freight Vehicle access, highway upgrades, public and local transport, active transport, road safety, climate resilience and emerging industries,” Ms Johnston said.
Council Mayor Cr Stuart King highlighted the new Swan Hill Bridge as the Strategy’s number one priority, reinforcing Council’s ongoing advocacy for a modern, fit-for-purpose crossing capable of accommodating larger, more productive freight vehicles and supporting the region’s future growth.
“The new Swan Hill Bridge isn’t just important to Swan Hill - it is a critical piece of regional infrastructure.
“A modern crossing would improve safety and connectivity and remove a significant freight constraint for industries across the Central Murray.
“It’s past time it was built and a long-term plan put in place to continue to deliver Murray River crossing upgrades and other bridge infrastructure across our region,” Cr King said.
The Strategy also recognises increasing transport demands associated with growth in horticulture, almond processing and emerging mineral sands projects, while supporting greater use of rail to reduce pressure on regional roads.
“It gives us a clear roadmap and, importantly, a united regional voice to keep pushing for the investment our communities need.
“I encourage the community to have a read of the strategy - the data alone on the economic output of our region is worth noting,” he concluded
Click here to view Central Murray Regional Transport Strategy