MORE STATE GOVERNMENT FUNDING TO REPLACE STINGRAY CREEK BRIDGE The NSW Government has today agreed to increase funding to Port Macquarie -Hastings Council for the construction of a new bridge over Stingray Creek at North Haven. Member for Port Macquarie, Leslie Williams said, “Roads Minister Duncan Gay has this afternoon written to me to confirm that my request for an extra $2 million has been approved to ensure that Council is now in the best position to replace the bridge rather than repair the ageing infrastructure. “This is a far better outcome for the community and it is what has been promised for many years,” Mrs Williams said. “It is clear from the expert technical advice from RMS that the cost of the repair option would be between $6 million and $10 million. “While I fully support Council’s position of trying to be financially responsible, the replacement option is far more cost effective. “The State Government will now pay $8 million or 50% of the total cost of up to $16 million for the project, with Council being further assisted with the Government paying the first 4% of their loan repayment for the remaining 50% through the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme,” Mrs Williams said. “I encourage Council to take up this opportunity and work with the NSW Government to deliver this vital piece of regional infrastructure,” Roads Minister Duncan Gay said. “Along with the Local Infrastructure Renewal Scheme (LIRS) loan assistance we have made available to Councils, this funding from the NSW Liberals & Nationals Government represents a unique opportunity for Port Macquarie-Hastings Council to replace the Stingray Creek Bridge,” Mr Gay said. “I commend the Council for reconsidering the replacement option and hope that Councillors adopt the motion which is on the agenda for tonight’s Council meeting,” Mrs Williams said. “Late this afternoon I spoke with Mayor Peter Besseling to advise of my successful request for the additional funding. “I also thank the Minister for Roads Duncan Gay for approving the extra $2 million. “This further allocation of funding by Minister Gay for Stingray Creek Bridge, in addition to this year’s budget allocation of $5.22 million for the bridge, acknowledges the Government’s commitment to investing in infrastructure in regional New South Wales,” Mrs Williams said.
Posted on: Wed, 19 Jun 2013 06:56:36 +0000