The Albanese Government’s scrapping of the Bridges Renewal Program will have devastating consequences for Capricornia.
Federal Member for Capricornia, Michelle Landry, said the Albanese Government’s decision to scrap the Bridges Renewal Program 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,” Ms Landry said.
“Everywhere you look, state and federal Labor Governments are ruthlessly slashing and axing road programs in Capricornia all to fund their own pet projects such as live music arenas and sports stadiums.
“The Bridges Renewal Program has been critical to Capricornia, enabling the repair of five bridges in the Isaac Region, including the Cherwell Creek Bridge and Cooroorah Creek Bridge to be upgraded.”
“The Albanese Government have shown once again that regional communities like ours are out of sight, out of mind.
“Labor are ignorant to the importance safe and high functioning bridges and roads provide, not only to regional industries, but in delivering product to port and beyond which in turn supports national economic growth and prosperity.”
“Bridges, like the Ted Cunningham Bridge near Collinsville, or Grosvenor Bridge near Moranbah, would benefit significantly from major upgrades to ensure safety for road users,” Ms Landry said.
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.”
