Twenty three bridges in the Dungog Shire will be replaced under the NSW Government's $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.
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Michael Johnsen MP, Member for Upper Hunter announced $16.4million in funding to better connect regional communities and increase resilience to natural disasters.
Mr Johnsen said replacing old timber bridges means improved community connections to schools, towns and jobs, allowing easier movement of freight and delivering better outcomes for road safety.
"On top of easing the financial burden on councils, this program will create thousands of local jobs throughout regional communities at a time when they're needed most," Mr Johnsen said.
"I'm glad that in the Dungog Shire alone, we're going to see $16,446,170 million spent on 23 bridges replaced under this new round of funding because I know what a difference they'll make to entire communities."
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW John Barilaro said round one of the program will see more than 400 ageing bridges replaced by safer, modern bridges that will better withstand events like floods and bushfires, and ease the burden of maintenance for local councils and ratepayers.
"Regional councils maintain more than 1,800 timber bridges across the state, and we're delivering on our promise to help them replace ageing bridges."
The following bridges in the Dungog have received funding:
- Archinal's Bridge - $1,076,400.00
- Mary Carlton Bridge - $657,800.00
- Saxby's Bridge - $538,200.00
- Ashard's Bridge - $418,600.00
- Ryan's Bridge - $418,600.00
- Jordan's Bridge - $358,800.00
- Bruxner Bridge - $1,404,000.00
- Thalaba Bridge - $1,609,920.00
- Banfield Bridge - $1,435,200.00
- Gam's Bridge - $321,750.00
- Mate's Bridge - $447,850.00
- Hopson's Bridge - $1,255,800.00
- Fosterton Bridge - $1,076,400.00
- Dusodie Bridge - $1,495,000.00
- Packham's Bridge - $269,100.00
- Middlebrook's Bridge - $358,800.00
- Osmond's Bridge - $358,800.00
- Weldon Rumbel's Bridge - $538,200.00
- Hick's Bridge - $418,600.00
- Dowling's Bridge - $822,250.00
- Reeve's Bridge - $269,100.00
- Chesworth's Bridge - $358,800.00
- Kingfisher Creek Bridge - $538,200.00
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said the NSW Government had accelerated funding for the program with more than $290 million shared across 54 councils to replace 424 bridges in round one.
"That's hundreds of fast-tracked projects that will start across the state in the next 12 months, helping councils to create and support jobs, drive productivity and keep our regional communities connected," Mr Toole said.
Mr Johnsen said the funding reflected the priorities of the Nationals in Government.