$300M for bridges and heavy vehicle infrastructure

Under round five of the Federal Government’s Bridges Renewal Program and round seven of the Heavy Vehicles Safety and Productivity program, $300 million will be available to councils to upgrade or replace bridges.

Communities affected by the recent bushfires will be assessed and may receive funding from the two rounds which are worth a total of $300 million. As well as bridge repairs the funding can be used to improve key heavy vehicle infrastructure.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said many bridges and roads were damaged in the fires.

“…we are continuing to work closely with Local Councils and State and Territory Governments to prioritise and fast-track projects which can be delivered quickly,” Mr. McCormack said.

“But of course, these funding rounds are open to all areas – both city and country – and we’d like to see applications from right across the nation.”

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said new infrastructure projects means jobs.

“It means more people spending money in local shops and cafés which will provide a huge boost to bushfire-affected economies and also those struggling through drought,” Mr. Buchholz said.

“Efficient freight networks are critical to the national economy and this funding forms part of the Federal Government’s commitment to keeping heavy vehicle drivers safe and improving our road network.”

The Federal Government is providing $640 million to the Bridges Renewal Program from 2015-16 to 2022-23, with an on-going commitment of $85 million each year following and $508 million to the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program from 2013-14 to 2022-23 financial year.