{"id":234804,"date":"2019-05-03T11:33:21","date_gmt":"2019-05-03T01:33:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/?p=234804"},"modified":"2020-07-20T13:16:15","modified_gmt":"2020-07-20T03:16:15","slug":"24m-promise-to-replace-bridge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/southburnett.com.au\/news2\/2019\/05\/03\/24m-promise-to-replace-bridge\/","title":{"rendered":"$24m Promise To Replace Bridge"},"content":{"rendered":"
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The single-lane, low-level bridge is prone to flooding, severing an important north-south transport link (Photo: MJRWG)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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ALP candidate for Flynn Zac Beers<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

May 3, 2019<\/strong><\/p>\n

The dangerous John Peterson Bridge on Mundubbera-Durong Road now looks set to get its much-needed upgrade, no matter which party wins the upcoming Federal Election.<\/p>\n

ALP candidate for Flynn Zac Beers has matched a commitment by LNP candidate Ken O’Dowd to provide the funds for the upgrade of the single-lane bridge.<\/p>\n

And while the LNP has budgeted $20 million for the project, the Labor Party has promised $24 million.<\/p>\n

On Friday, the Mundubbera to Jandowae Roads Working Group – which has been lobbying all levels of government for the project – welcomed the announcement of funding by Opposition\u00a0Leader Bill Shorten.<\/p>\n

The low-level, flood-prone bridge is part of a vital freight route which links the North and South Burnett regions.<\/p>\n

Mundubbera to Jandowae Roads Working Group chair Georgie Somerset said the commitment by Mr\u00a0Shorten re-affirmed the critical role the John Peterson Bridge played.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cThe actions of both major political parties in committing to support the upgrade of this bridge demonstrates how\u00a0vital it is to the region,\u201d Mrs Somerset said.<\/p>\n

\u201cA safe, efficient north-south route is of the utmost importance in the inland Burnett with a range of sectors,\u00a0including agriculture and resources, depending on it for the movement of products and raw materials.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Mundubbera to Jandowae Roads Working Group appreciates the support from Labor candidate for Flynn, Zac\u00a0Beers, and the $24 million announcement from Labor.<\/p>\n

“Their commitment to the much-needed John Peterson\u00a0Bridge project is a great step towards improving this important inland route.”<\/p>\n

North Burnett Mayor Rachel Chambers said the commitment by Labor was “fantastic news” which encouraged confidence in the region.<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u201cInvestment in this regional priority will see an improved inland linkage with increased resilience to disasters such\u00a0as flood events also providing a safe, efficient route for current and future development,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

In a Facebook post, Mr O’Dowd accused the Labor Party of playing “catch-up” and said the promised funding for the bridge would “be on the never-never”.<\/p>\n

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