Four projects across Leichhardt will receive a share of more than $290 million in Australian Government funding under Round 5 of the Bridges Renewal Program and Round 7 of the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

Federal Member for Leichhardt Warren Entsch said the timing couldn’t be better to see funding flow to deliver better and safer bridges and freight roads in Leichhardt.

“This vital funding will allow communities right across the country to fast‐track their highest‐priority infrastructure projects, providing a much‐needed boost to local jobs and the economy,” Warren Entsch said.

“I am pleased to see the four projects across Leichhardt will receive a total of $2,420,000 to do exactly that at a time where it couldn’t be needed more.

The projects include:

• Douglas Shire Council – Anichs Bridge. Construct single lane combined use (road and rail) 44T load rated structure. Total cost $880,000. Federal Government contribution $440,000
• Douglas Shire Council – Warners Bridge. Construct single lane, single use (road transport) 44T load rated structure. Total cost $1,000,000. Federal Government contribution $500,000
• Cairns Regional Council – Links Drive. Rehabilitation of Links Drive and road widening to provide a B‐Double vehicle route. Total cost $1,960,000. Federal Government contribution $980,000
• Hope Vale Aboriginal Shire Council – Heavy Vehicle Bypass. Resealing the existing bypass creating an all‐weather bypass reducing damage to roads and contact with schools and town. Total cost $1,050,000. Federal Government contribution $500,000

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said these latest rounds of the Bridges Renewal Program and Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program would support 350 projects across the nation.

“I am pleased to deliver more than $290 million in funding to more than 350 projects nationwide, which will upgrade and replace bridges which have been damaged or are deteriorating and improve key heavy vehicle infrastructure,” Mr McCormack said.

“With nearly 80 per cent of this funding going to local councils, the outcome of these rounds will support local workers, households and businesses through a difficult time and position the Australian economy for a strong recovery.”