Applications Now Open To Fix Country Bridges

Member for Kiama Gareth Ward MP has today announced that regional communities across our State are set to benefit from the first round of the NSW Government’s $500 million Fixing Country Bridges program.

Mr Ward said that he is encouraging local Councils across the Illawarra and South Coast to apply for funding to replace priority bridges.

“The NSW Liberals in Government went to the 2019 State Election committed to replacing hundreds of ageing timber bridges across regional NSW and better connecting small communities,” he said.

“That’s why I’m encouraging all of our local Councils to nominate eligible timber bridges for replacement.

“The first round of Fixing Country Bridges is now open from today Monday 24th August and recognises that maintenance of ageing timber bridges across regional NSW is a major burden for local councils and rate payers.

“This investment will help keep our local communities connected and would boost economic and social development in regional areas.

“Regional councils maintain more than 1,800 timber bridges across NSW, some of which are more than 80 years old and reaching the end of their life,” Mr Ward said.

“We promised to help local Councils replace hundreds of those bridges with structures that are safer and more resilient to natural disasters like bushfire – and now we’re delivering on that commitment.

“This unprecedented funding commitment to repair NSW’s worst timber bridges will increase resilience of bridge stock across our State and deliver a safe and modern road network for generations to come,” Mr Ward concluded.

Applications under Round 1 of the Program opened on 24th August 2020 will close on 24th September 2020, with successful projects announced in late 2020.

Transport for NSW will soon hold discussions with local Councils to walk through the program guidelines, prioritisation framework and application process. 

Information on Fixing Country Bridges funding criteria, program guidelines and how to submit an application can be found on the website at: nswroads.work/fixingcountrybridges.