Five projects across the Somerset region will receive a share of more than $290 million in Australian Government funding under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP).
Senator Paul Scarr said the timing couldn’t be better to see funding flow to deliver better and safer bridges and freight roads in the region.
“This vital funding will allow communities right across the country to fast-track their highest-priority infrastructure projects, providing a much-needed boost to local jobs and the economy,” Senator Scarr said.
“I have been advocating on behalf of the Somerset region and I am pleased to see five projects across the region will receive a total of $5,151,667 to do exactly that at a time where it couldn’t be needed more.
“This includes safety and productivity improvements to Esk-Crows Nest Road and Lowood-Minden Road, as well as improvements to 17 bridges and the replacement of two timber bridges.
“Every single local job we support in the Somerset by investing in infrastructure projects means one less worry for another Australian and their family, reliable work on the books for local construction companies and more cash flowing through local businesses and communities doing it tough.”
Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann said, “We are absolutely ecstatic and very grateful to the Australian Government for their contribution of $5.1 million to make this all possible.”
“This Commonwealth money will see our busiest local road, Lowood-Minden Road widened and made safer and more productive, make sure 19 local bridges can carry commercial loads and see Esk-Crows Nest Road significantly improved for cattle producers transporting to our largest local employer, Kilcoy Global Foods.”
“It all adds up to long-term jobs, improved road safety and big productivity gains for our area.”
Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, and Member for Lockyer, Jim McDonald also welcomed the funding announcement.
“The Federal Government have injected significant funding into the Somerset region over the past few years through the Bridges Renewal Program and the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program and the impact it is having on road safety and improved productivity for our community is obvious,” Deb Frecklington said.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said these latest rounds would support 350 projects across the nation.
“I am pleased to deliver more than $290 million in funding to more than 350 projects nationwide, which will upgrade and replace bridges which have been damaged or are deteriorating and improve key heavy vehicle infrastructure,” Mr McCormack said.
“With nearly 80 per cent of this funding going to local councils, the outcome of these rounds will support local workers, households and businesses through a difficult time and position the Australian economy for a strong recovery.
“By improving our road network this funding will also help keep people safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities.
“This includes our truckies, who form an essential part of the backbone of our national economy and have been working tirelessly during COVID-19 to keep shelves stocked, hospitals supplied and the economy moving.
“Now more than ever the continued roll out of road infrastructure projects is important to support local jobs, underpin economic growth and ensure all Australians can reach their destinations sooner and safer and communities can rest assured that’s exactly what our Government is doing.”
Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said 50 per cent of this funding would benefit communities impacted by the ongoing drought and earlier bushfire events.
“$146.97 million in funding through these rounds will go to councils affected by bushfires, drought or both – providing secure work for local construction contractors and businesses who have felt the cumulative impact of these events and now COVID-19 while delivering lasting infrastructure that will benefit the region for years to come,” Mr Buchholz said.
“This includes livestock transport industry projects that will directly support communities currently impacted by drought, being funded under Round 7 of the HVSPP.
“Round 5 of the BRP also provides an opportunity for many councils to begin the process of replacing or upgrading bridges damaged in bushfire events, both rounds demonstrating our steadfast commitment to continue to stand side by side with these communities doing it particularly tough.
“Already more than 500 projects funded through the BRP and HVSPP across the country have either been completed or are well underway and I look forward to getting shovels in the ground on these next projects.”
For more information and a list of successful applicants, visit:
