Federal Government should back Ord River bridge

23/3/02
The Federal Government has been urged to produce funding promised for the much-needed Ord River bridge project on Great Northern Highway, north of Halls Creek.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said today a project proposal detailing the scope, cost and justification for the project was forwarded to the Commonwealth by Main Roads in December last year.
"Last September, the federal Minister reallocated funds for the project from 2004-05 to 2002-03, and the hope was that we would receive final Commonwealth approval for the project by now to enable works to proceed in May," Ms MacTiernan said.
"This would see the bridge completed and commissioned by October, ahead of the wet season.
"However, Commonwealth authorities have come back on two occasions seeking additional information, firstly on January 15 and again on March 15, and the danger is that we will run out of time to let the contract and build the bridge this calendar year.
"If a contract is not awarded by May, we will have to wait till May next year after the next wet season."
The $14million bridge will replace a low level crossing on Great Northern Highway, between Warmun Aboriginal Mission and Mabel Downs, which is often subjected to lengthy periods of closure due to flooding.
"Great Northern Highway is part of the National Highway system and consequently is a Commonwealth funding responsibility," the Minister said.
"The highway is a vital link for communities in the region as well as being a major freight route and frequent closure are frustrating as well as costly.
"Main Roads has responded this week to the federal department's request for further information, and I hope the matter can be fast-tracked in Canberra.
"In the meantime, I have asked Main Roads to proceed with pre-construction activities and continue to liaise with their federal counterparts so that everything is ready to move once Commonwealth approval is received."
Minister's office: 9213 6400