October 21, 2013
South Burnett Mayor Wayne Kratzmann says he has been lobbying the Federal and State governments for extra funds to replace timber bridges in the region.
“These additional funds are needed to accelerate the replacement of timber bridges on Local Government-controlled roads,” Mayor Kratzmann said.
“The South Burnett has 16 timber bridges which have either load limits or restrictions to single lane due to poor condition ratings.
“Council has programmed the replacement of all these bridges in our 10-year capital works program.
“Additional State and Federal government funds mean we could have these bridges repaired in a quicker time frame.
“I have already had the opportunity to present a proposal to Scott Emerson, the Minister for Transport and Main Roads and I will be moving a motion at the LGAQ conference in Cairns next week.
“My meeting with Scott Emerson went very well and I am expecting a visit from the Director-General of his department to the South Burnett shortly.
“Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss has flagged that Bridges to Recovery is on the new Federal Government’s radar and I look forward to putting it to the test.
“He announced before the election that he was putting $200 million towards the nation’s bridges. The South Burnett will be leading the charge to secure some of these funds.”
SBRC acting General Manager of Infrastructure Russell Hood said the replacement of a timber bridge with a precast concrete structure typically costs at least $1.5 million, depending on the size of the structure.
The Council is currently replacing a timber bridge in Thompson Street, Murgon, with large concrete culverts which will have no load limit in place.
The replacement of a timber bridge in Drayton Street, Nanango is also progressing.
Council has ordered precast concrete components for a new bridge this week. Construction is planned to begin in the next in 2-3 months.
