Photo Caption: Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton with Acting Mayor of Gilgandra Shire Council Ashley Walker at Lucas Bridge, which will be replaced thanks to $1.25 million in funding under the Bridges Renewal Program.
Federal Member for Parkes Mark Coulton has helped to guarantee a new lease on life for Lucas Bridge, announcing a $1.25 million grant for its replacement under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program.
“The Gilgandra community has long been rallying for an upgrade to the Lucas Bridge, which is why I’m so pleased to support this much-needed project,” Mr Coulton said.
“This grant will allow the antiquated timber structure to be replaced with a new concrete bridge, improving access for the local community and supporting our freight carriers who utilise this route.
“Every single local job we support in the Parkes electorate by investing in infrastructure projects means safer journeys, reliable work on the books for local construction businesses and more cash flowing through local communities.
“This is about helping people stay safe on our roads while making key freight routes more efficient, delivering long-term benefits to drivers, businesses and local communities.”
Acting Mayor of Gilgandra Shire Council Ashley Walker welcomed the announcement.
“Council is thankful to the Australian Government for investing in the Lucas Bridge replacement project through the Bridges Renewal Program. It is these projects that create regional economic stimulus, while improving the access for many of our residents,” Cr Walker said.
“This project is one that has been a priority for Council for some time and one that our community will welcome.
“The bridge supports agriculture, not only in terms of our local farming and grazing community, but also as a through-road to Dubbo Regional Livestock Markets.”
The Lucas Bridge is located over the Castlereagh River east of Gilgandra.
The project is one of thirteen across the electorate of Parkes that will together share in more than $16.7 million in funding under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP) and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program (HVSPP),
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