The Albanese Government's scrapping of the Bridges Renewal Program will have devastating consequences for the Hume electorate according to local member, Angus Taylor.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
Mr Taylor said the Albanese Government's decision made it clear Labor do not understand the importance of our road networks in driving national economic growth and prosperity.
"In their first 18 months the Albanese Government has taken the axe to road funding and now Labor is planning to abolish yet another road program specifically designed to support regional industries by fixing country bridges so they can safely carry heavy trucks," Mr. Taylor said.
"Everywhere you look, state and federal Labor Governments are ruthlessly slashing and axing road programs all to fund their own pet projects such as live music arenas and sports stadiums.
The Bridges Renewal Program has been critical to enabling the following projects in the Hilltops area to be built.
Boorowa Council - Bennett Springs Bridge Replacement (Completed).
Young Shire Council - McHenrys Creek Bridge Widening (Completed).
Hilltops Council - Bundarbo Road Bridge Replacement (Under Construction).
In total across the Hume Electorate there have been 21 projects completed under the program. Other Councils in the Hume Electorate which have benefitted have included Upper Lachlan, Wingecarribee, Goulburn Mulwarree and Wollondilly local government areas.
Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Senator Bridget McKenzie said it was incredibly disappointing to see the Albanese Government recklessly abandoning rural and regional road safety programs with seemingly no care for the consequences.
"By canning the Bridges Renewal Program, Labor are putting the safety of our truck drivers and everyday road users' at risk by forcing them to take longer routes and use decaying roads and bridges," Senator McKenzie said.
"Labor have not considered the flow on effects its decision to cancel the Bridges Renewal Program will have on industry productivity.
"It is crucial throughout rural and regional Australia to have bridges which enable heavy vehicle access to farms so fodder and supplies are delivered, and agricultural commodities can make its way to market.
"It is time for Minister King to hit the road and see the sheer number of creeks, streams, rivers, and channels throughout our beautiful country which demand bridge crossings that are safe and sturdy." Mr Taylor concluded.
