New funding for bridges and heavy vehicle safety
Applications are now open for funding to upgrade bridges and freight roads under Round 5 of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).
Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien encouraged local councils and the State Government to apply for a share of $300 million to help improve roads throughout the region.
“Efficient freight networks are critical to the national economy, and are particularly important in times like we are currently experiencing when there is increased demand on local produce, so it’s really important to ensure our freight routes are as safe as possible,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This funding forms part of the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government’s commitment to keeping heavy vehicle drivers safe and improving our road network, with funding of up to 50 per cent of project costs available.”
Mr O’Brien also encouraged applications to the Bridges Renewal Program, so that better bridges could improve traffic flow and road conditions for local residents, freight operators and tourists.
“Improving road safety and transport is a key priority for me and the Coalition Government so that we can invest in Wide Bay and help get people home sooner and safer,” Mr O’Brien said.
“People in Bauple, Gundiah, Tiaro, Kandanga, Cooran, Cooroy and Kin Kin are already seeing the benefit from a previous round of the Bridges Renewal Program, and I strongly encourage local councils to apply for funds for new transport infrastructure projects.”
“These projects create new investment, support local jobs and make our transport network safer and more efficient.”
For application forms and details about the programs visit:
www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges
www.infrastructure.gov.au/hvspp
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 (HVSPP) from 2013-14 to 2022-23 financial year.
This forms part of the Government’s nation-building $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects busting congestion and getting Australians home safely.
ENDS
