Booyong Bridge, the first of five new bridges being built as part of the Bangalow Bridges Replacement project, is now officially opened.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals’ leader and minister for infrastructure. Transport and regional development Michael McCormack said the new bridges would play an important role in the regional economy.
“Around Australia, the Liberal and Nationals’ government is investing in regional roads to ensure people can get home sooner and safer, as well as boosting productivity and creating local jobs,” McCormack said.
According to Melinda Pavey, NSW minister for roads, maritime and freight, the replacement of five rural bridges over eight months was a major undertaking and would provide great benefits for residents.
“The Byron community will benefit from improved freight movements and residents will be able to have large loads of water transported in dry periods, a direct result of our investment that has delivered new bridges that will have load limits of 44 tonnes,” Pavey added.
Nationals’ senator John Williams said the bridge will provide a boost to local farmers.
“This bridge connects Booyang’s agricultural industries to local, state and international markets, including the Booyang meat processing plant, macadamia, beef and dairy farms,” Williams continued.
According to NSW Parliamentary secretary for Northern NSW Ben Franklin, the investment thanks to the Bangalow Bridges Project is helping deliver the infrastructure the region needs.
“Ours is a very special part of the world and I am proud to be part of a government that is delivering the investment in our bridges and local communities which we serve,” Franklin said.
Byron Shire Council mayor Simon Richardson said all the bridges were expected to be open by the end of this year and thanked the community for its patience over this time.
“I know residents and businesses will be beside Council staff and contractors cheering and celebrating on the day all the bridges are completed and opened,” Richardson concluded.
The $5.17 million project is being jointly funded by the Australian government and the NSW government.
The other bridges being replaced are Parkers Bridge, James Bridge, O’Meara’s Bridge, and Scarrabelottis Bridge.