Four bridges in Noosa will be replaced or upgraded with almost $5 million in funding from the Morrison Government’s Bridges Renewal Program.

Federal Member for Wide Bay and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Llew O’Brien said the funding would be matched and the projects would be managed by Noosa Council.

“These important infrastructure works will deliver safer bridges for Noosa and generate jobs throughout the construction phase,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This vital funding will allow Noosa Council to fast-track their highest-priority infrastructure projects, and it will support local workers, households and businesses through a difficult time, positioning Noosa’s economy for a strong recovery.

“There will be long-term economic benefits as well by ensuring improved access for local traffic, freight and tourism to keep Noosa and its hinterland areas open to all road users.”

Noosa Council will receive funding for the following projects:

• $2,000,000 to replace Doonella Lake Bridge
• $450,000 to replace the existing timber Cooroy Belli Creek Road Bridge with a concrete bridge
• $1,750,000 to stop corrosion and strengthen Garth Prowd Bridge
• $755,437 to replace the timber Lawnville Road Bridge with a concrete bridge

“These works will make Noosa’s bridges and road network safer for all vehicles, as well as provide work for local construction companies and keep cash flowing through local businesses and into the pockets of local families,” Mr O’Brien said.

Round 5 of the Liberal and National Government’s Bridges Renewal Program is delivering more than $145 million to upgrade and replace 205 bridges which have been damaged or are deteriorating and improve transport infrastructure.

“By improving our road network this funding will also make key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This includes our truckies, who form an essential part of the backbone of our national economy and have been working tirelessly during COVID-19 to keep shelves stocked, hospitals supplied and the economy moving.

“As we start to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on our economy, the continued roll-out of road infrastructure projects is important to support local jobs, drive economic growth and ensure all Australians can reach their destinations sooner and safer, and that is what the Morrison Government is doing with this funding in the 20-21 Budget.”

Noosa Mayor Clare Stewart has welcomed the new Federal Government funding for bridges, saying it will be a huge boost to the shire.

“It is perfect timing as we prepare for the post-COVID-19 future,” she said.

“Building infrastructure is the ideal way to create jobs, stimulate the economy and improve the liveability for residents,” Cr Stewart said.

Cr Stewart said the Federal Government has invested significantly in the Noosa Shire and its ongoing support is certainly appreciated.

“Improving the road network helps attract investment but more importantly caters for the future growth of the shire,” she said.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said 50 per cent of this funding would benefit communities impacted by the ongoing drought and earlier bushfire events.

“$146.97 million in funding through these rounds will go to councils affected by bushfires, drought or both – providing secure work for local construction contractors and businesses who have felt the cumulative impact of these events and now COVID-19 while delivering lasting infrastructure that will benefit the region for years to come,” Mr Buchholz said.

“This includes livestock transport industry projects that will directly support communities currently impacted by drought, being funded under Round 7 of the HVSPP.

“Round 5 of the BRP also provides an opportunity for many councils to begin the process of replacing or upgrading bridges damaged in bushfire events, both rounds demonstrating our steadfast commitment to continue to stand side by side with these communities doing it particularly tough.

“Already more than 500 projects funded through the BRP and HVSPP across the country have either been completed or are well underway and I look forward to getting shovels in the ground on these next projects.” 

For more information and a list of successful applicants, visit:

www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges
www.infrastructure.gov.au/hvspp