The Albanese Government continues to partner with Toowoomba Regional Council to get high priority local infrastructure off the ground, with construction of the Melrose Road bridge now complete and open to traffic.
Officially opened today by Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm and Mayor of Toowoomba Regional Council, Geoff McDonald, the new bridge will improve the safety of this key rural route.
The $4.3 million project was made possible thanks to $2.5 million from the Albanese Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, and $1.8 million from Toowoomba Regional Council.
Works involved the construction of a new two-lane concrete bridge to replace the ageing timber bridge on Melrose Road in Brookstead.
The upgrades will improve access for local agriculture businesses operating in the region, and also enhance the route's resilience to natural disasters.
The new bridge will also support travel for specialised farming equipment, emergency response vehicles and public transport, including school buses.
Nationally, the Albanese Government is delivering significant funding increases to support local councils deliver their priority projects.
The Roads to Recovery program is progressively increasing from $500 million to $1 billion per year - with Toowoomba Regional Council to receive over $36 million over the next five years, a boost of $11.4 million.
The Road Black Spot Program has also increased from $110 million to $150 million per year, and $200 million per year is available under our Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government, Kristy McBain:
"More people are moving to our regions and this is putting more pressure on the roads we use every day, which is why we're partnering with local councils to help ensure their local road networks are safe and fit-for-purpose.
"Melrose Bridge provides essential access across the Condamine River to schools, community facilities, and agri business, which is why we've upgraded the old structure and invested in this road's future."
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:
"This new bridge, which replaced the old timber crossing on Melrose Road, will improve safety, traffic efficiency and allow local farmers to transport greater proportions of grain and other produce from their farms to suppliers.
"Infrastructure projects, such as this one, deliver an immediate economic boost to regional and rural areas by reducing the potential for any of the risks associated with flood-related road closures.
"Thank you to the community for their patience and co-operation during the construction of this project as it was a complex undertaking, with Melrose Road closed for the duration of construction."
Quotes attributable to Mayor of Toowoomba, Cr Geoff McDonald:
"The aim of the project was to improve, productivity, safety and community access, but it was also recognition of the road as an important connection for primary producers.
"The transport of agricultural produce and farming machinery absolutely depend on a safe and secure crossing over the Condamine River. The upgraded Melrose Road bridge will provide a greater level of certainty for the Brookstead area farmers and associated industries.
"Having the new bridge constructed to current engineering standards means it will have a much longer design life."
