Round Three of the Bridges Renewal Programme now open

16/03/2017

Round Three of the Bridges Renewal Programme now open

Wide Bay councils can get help from the Federal Government to repair local bridges, with a new round of funding under the $360 million Bridges Renewal Programme opening tomorrow (Friday, March 17).

Councils throughout the Wide Bay have the chance to get local bridges in poor condition fixed with the help of direct funding from the Federal Government.

Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien said the new funding round was a great opportunity for local councils to get bridges fixed with up to half the cost met by the Australian Government.

“Councils in the Wide Bay electorate can nominate bridges that need upgrading or replacing, and residents who have concerns about a particular bridge should get in touch with their council to put forward their suggestions for nomination,” Mr O’Brien said.

“By improving bridges in the region, the funding will also help improve safety and access for communities, and keep traffic flowing to local businesses and jobs.”

 “Often local councils need a helping hand with big-ticket items like bridges, so by working together with governments at all levels – we are upgrading and repairing bridges all over the country.”

“We’ve already seen more than $1.8 million of this programme’s funding put into fixing bridges in the region, with the Goomong Road and Kandanga Creek Road bridges getting support under Round One,” Mr O’Brien said.

 “This third round of funding that becomes available tomorrow will help keep local communities connected.”

Since Bridges Renewal started in 2014-15, about $211 million has been invested in 204 projects across Australia. State, territory and local governments are eligible to apply for up to $5 million in Australian Government funding per project.

Mr O’Brien said submissions would be accepted from state, territory and local governments from tomorrow, March 17.

Nominated projects will go through a competitive merit-based selection process, with successful applicants eligible to receive up to 50 per cent of project costs, or $5 million.

Proponents should discuss priorities with their local communities, industry stakeholders, Regional Development Australia committees and relevant government road agencies early in the process of compiling their proposals.

Round Three is open for applications until 15 May 2017. Guidelines and proposal forms are now available on the Bridges Renewal Programme website at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges