The West Moreton region in South East Queensland has celebrated the official opening of 10 new road bridges.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the new bridges are free from load limits and have long lifespans, boosting freight productivity for local businesses.
"No matter where you live, the Liberals and Nationals are investing to get Australians home to their families sooner and safer," Mr McCormack said.
"Having reliable infrastructure is absolutely vital and these new bridges will benefit the region for years to come."
Senator for Queensland Paul Scarr said the bridges were funded through the Federal Liberal and Nationals Government's Bridges Renewal Program, which replaces and repairs bridges in partnership with local governments across the country.
"It is wonderful to be standing here on the $1 million two-lane Yellow Gully Bridge in Atkinson's Dam today, celebrating how the Bridges Renewal Program continues to deliver tangible benefits to local communities," Senator Scarr said.
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said Council invested in long-term infrastructure to support the ongoing growth and economic development of Somerset's many local communities and provide the best value for rate payers.
"Sixty bridge structures have already been replaced with reinforced concrete structures, each of them free from load restrictions, less prone to flood closures and more resilient to damage during extreme weather events," Cr Lehmann said.
The following bridges opened today were jointly funded by the Australian Government and Somerset Regional Council:
- Apple Tree Creek Bridge, Cooeeimbardi Road, Lower Cressbrook (project value $535,018)
- Buaraba Creek Road Bridges No. 1 and No.2, Buaraba Creek Road, Buaraba (project value $443,578)
- Charlie's Gully and Burnett Inn (Western Branch Road Bridges), Western Branch Road, Mt Stanley (project value $596,412)
- Hawthorne Road Bridge, Hawthorne Road, Linville (project value $388,639)
- Pakleppas Bridge, Whiting Street, Moore (project value $171,876)
- Pryde Creek Bridge, England Creek Road, Wivenhoe Pocket (project value $1 million)
- Sandy Creek Bridge, Pine Mountain Road, Pine Mountain (project value $1.1 million)
- Yellow Gully Bridge, Atkinson's Dam Road, Atkinson's Dam (project value $1 million)
Replacement of the Shallcross Bridge on Gregors Creek Road in Woolmar (project value $1.2 million) is due to for completion in mid-2020, jointly funded by the Australian Government and Somerset Regional Council.
