Local councils have secured nearly 80 percent of grants awarded under Round Five of the Bridges Renewal Program and Round Seven of Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.
In all, proponents of about 350 projects have been awarded a share of $290 million in funding to improve the productivity and safety of bridges and heavy vehicle routes nationwide.
They include the Longreach Regional Council, which is upgrading loading ramps at the Western Queensland Livestock Exchange to improve traffic movement, providing secure work for local contractors and businesses during construction and delivering lasting regional benefits.
Round 5 of the BRP is also providing an opportunity for many councils to begin the process of replacing or upgrading bridges damaged in recent bushfire events
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said: “By improving our road network, this funding will also help keep people safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities”.
Details of Round Seven HVSPP grants are online, as are details of Round Five BRP grants.