Friday 24th February 2017
Nationals Federal Member for Murray Damian Drum MP says the Liberal National Commonwealth Government has signed over $97m in funding to the Victorian Government for the construction of a new Echuca Moama Bridge.
“˜With the additional $97m of Commonwealth money now in the hands of the Victorian Government it’s time to start getting this bridge built ‘ Mr Drum said.
“˜This is a crucial project providing tourists commuters and heavy vehicle operators with safer and quicker access to both towns.’
The project site office for the construction works will open at 575 High Street in Echuca on Monday 27th February.
“˜Early works along Warren Street in Echuca are expected to start in the coming months ‘ Mr Drum said. “˜We expect that the entire project will be completed in late 2020 weather permitting. The Government’s decision to provide $97 million towards this project follows a commitment we made during the 2016 election campaign.’
Leader of the Victorian Nationals and Member for Murray Plains Peter Walsh said he was proud to be part of the Liberal National State government that funded $96 million towards a second river crossing.
Mr Walsh acknowledged the important role that the Shire of Campaspe Murray Shire Council Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation as well as their respective communities had played in progressing the project.
“I also pay particular tribute to the efforts of my predecessors the Nationals Members for Rodney Noel Maughan MP and Paul Weller MP who worked tirelessly and advocated strongly to make this bridge a reality.”
“The official opening of the project office of the Echuca Moama Bridge project is reward for years of hard work from the entire community and an important step forward in finally getting this bridge built” Mr Walsh said.
This $280 million project is jointly funded with the Australian Government having committed $97 million together with $96 million from the Victoria Government and $87 million from the New South Wales Government.
VicRoads and NSW Roads and Maritime Service will jointly deliver the project.