An elected Liberal and Nationals Government will commit up to $100 million towards replacing the 130-year-old Swan Hill Bridge, connecting Swan Hill with Murray Downs in NSW.
The Nationals Candidate for Murray Plains, Brett Hosking, said the bridge had been a top priority for the region for more than 25 years, and it was time someone delivered it.
“The Swan Hill Bridge was built in 1896 and it is well past its use-by date. Locals have been asking for a replacement for decades and the Labor Government has not allocated a single dollar,” Mr Hosking said.
“Every day, families, farmers and freight operators queue to cross a single-lane bridge that is unsafe and needs constant maintenance just to stay open.”
The single-lane crossing delays emergency vehicles, and its weight limits force freight operators to detour hundreds of kilometres, split loads across multiple trips or use older, lighter and less efficient vehicles.
“This region is growing fast in agricultural exports, horticulture, almond processing and tourism, but we can’t move goods and people the way we need to,” Mr Hosking said.
“A modern river crossing means safer roads, faster emergency response, lower costs for producers and a stronger future for Swan Hill and the Murray River communities on both sides of the border.”
The replacement is estimated to cost $250 million, with contributions to also come from the Federal and NSW Governments who have already allocated money towards preliminary planning and design.
Delivering a new Swan Hill Bridge will:
- Boost freight productivity, competitiveness and export supply chains
- Support the region’s growing horticulture and almond processing industries
- Reduce costs for producers and rail freight operators
- Improve safety for all road users
- Support tourism and local business
- Ensure reliable emergency response access
Leader of The Nationals, Danny O’Brien, said the commitment showed The Nationals and the Liberals would govern for the whole of Victoria.
“Regional Victoria is the engine room of this state, and it deserves infrastructure that matches its contribution. Labor has ignored this community for too long but an elected Liberal and Nationals Government will get this bridge built,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Only The Nationals in government will ensure that residents of Swan Hill and regional Victoria get their Fair Share of infrastructure spending.”
