The Australian and New South Wales governments continue to partner with local governments across the state to get high-priority road and community infrastructure off the ground.
As part of this, the King Creek Bridge in Port Macquarie has been replaced to boost road safety and connectivity.
The project puts the finishing touches on close to $20 million worth of bridge infrastructure upgrades across the region that were jointly funded by the Australian and NSW governments and Port Macquarie Hastings Council (PMHC).
These upgrades have seen 13 ageing timber bridges replaced with brand-new modern concrete structures over the past two years.
The bridges were funded thanks to the NSW Government's Fixing Country Bridges Program, Port Macquarie Hastings Council and the Australian Government's Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program.
This involved over $18.7 million from the NSW Government, $385,000 from the Australian Government and $500,000 from PMHC.
The Australian Government's contribution funded the Old School Road Bridge replacement at Herons Creek ($160,000) and Donkins Flat Bridge replacement on Wingham Road at Comboyne ($225,000).
PMHC engaged both EIRE Constructions and Saunders Civilbuild to replace the bridges, which now meet modern Australian Standards.
The new concrete structures, including nine bridges and four culverts, are available to view here.
From July 1 2024, the former Bridges Renewal Program merged into the Australian Government's new Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program – with increased funding available to support state, territory, and local governments to address current and emerging priorities in road infrastructure needs.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:
"The Australian Government understands the critical importance of regional bridges to keeping communities safely and reliably connected, including during flood events.
"That's why we've invested $385,000 towards two bridge upgrades around Port Macquarie, as part of our commitment to partner with the NSW and local governments to kickstart priority projects that will have a lasting impact in communities."
Quotes attributable to NSW Minister for Regional Roads and Transport, the Hon Jenny Aitchison MP:
"These new bridges are enhancing connectivity and support the growing needs of our regional communities.
"The Minns Labor Government is delighted to have provided the lion's share of funding to Port Macquarie Hastings Council to deliver these new bridges.
"The $18.7 million investment by the NSW Government will improve safety on local roads in Port Macquarie and allow for more reliable and efficient transport links for country communities."
Quotes attributable to Port Macquarie Mayor, Cr Adam Roberts:
"The completion of King Creek Bridge marks a significant milestone in the ongoing investment and delivery of improved road and transport infrastructure for our community.
"Keeping our community connected and providing safe, reliable and secure infrastructure was one of the key cornerstones of the Fixing Country Bridges Program.
"Not only that, but these new bridges will also provide greater resistance to flood damage and flooding inundation.
"I want to thank both the NSW and Australian governments for their support of this program, our contracted construction companies for their timely delivery and impacted communities for the patience shown during the program delivery."
