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Roads | February 16, 2016

Kealy – Replace 95 year old Albacutya Bridge

Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy has spoken in Parliament this week calling on the Andrews Labor Government to commit funds urgently needed to replace the Albacutya Bridge north of Rainbow.

The load limit of the 95 year old bridge was reduced to 24 tonne in January due to age related structural damage, causing diversions and additional travel for heavy vehicle operators.

“Albacutya Bridge is a critical link for the local community, farmers, gypsum pit operators, school buses and tourists. This bridge is a vital piece of infrastructure for a rural region already suffering from the ravages of drought,” Ms Kealy said.

“Surely this bridge is a far better fit for the Country Bridges Fund than the 10 bridges committed by the Labor Government in the Premier’s own electorate of Mulgrave in Melbourne.

“I have called on the Melbourne Labor Government to put country people first for once. Labor must provide immediate funding for this vital infrastructure and replace Albacutya Bridge.

Emma Kealy MP hosted a visit to the Lowan Electorate last month by the Hon. Matthew Guy, Leader of the Opposition and Mr Brad Battin, Shadow Minister for Environment and Emergency Services. During this visit they met with the Hindmarsh Shire Council to discuss the impacts of the reduced load limit on Albacutya Bridge and the urgent need for replacement.

“I will continue to stand up for our local people to ensure the voices of our country communities are heard,” Ms Kealy said.

“The Andrew Labor Government must allocate money to essential country infrastructure. The Country Bridges Fund is one of the few funds available for rural Victoria, and must be spent on vital country infrastructure and not just within the Premiers own electorate of Mulgrave,” she said.