The Federal Coalition Government has announced it will make a significant contribution to support the New South Wales Government’s proposal for a new bridge over the Macquarie River in Dubbo.

Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton said the Australian Government investment of $176.2 million will ease congestion and maintain reliable access through Dubbo during flood events.

“I’m very pleased this Government is investing in high-priority infrastructure projects in Dubbo that will ensure people in our community get home sooner and safer, while also delivering more jobs locally,” Mr Coulton said.

“This funding will support construction of a new bridge as well as a new 2.3 kilometre link road between Thompson Street and Bourke Street in Dubbo. It will also cover associated intersection upgrades.

“This is about ensuring safe passage through Dubbo during future flood events and providing practical solutions to the problems caused by flooding in the past.

“The benefits of the project will include improved road safety, improved efficiency, better connectivity for our local road networks and improved freight productivity.”

Mr Coulton said the project is expected to start in late 2022 and be finished by mid 2025, and will support 290 direct and indirect jobs.

The announcement comes as part of a $2.7 billion Australian Government investment into New South Wales transport infrastructure to boost the local economy, make roads safer and create thousands of new jobs as part of the Government’s COVID-19 economic recovery plan.

2020-21 BUDGET PROJECTS