Councils throughout Hume have another opportunity to fix or replace ageing local bridges with the help of Federal Government funding.

Member for Hume Angus Taylor said a new round of funding under the $360 million Bridges Renewal Programme was now open.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for state, territory and local governments to apply for funding to have bridges fixed, with up to half the cost met by the Federal Government,” Mr Taylor said.

“This will be the third round of funding under the programme, which is continuing to keep communities connected and local industries profitable.”

Mr Taylor said Hume councils received “serious dollars” for bridge upgrades under the previous rounds.

“We’ve attracted sizeable funding for a number of projects over the past few years – these grants were the result of outstanding collaboration between local councils, their communities and the Federal Government,” he said.

Previous Hume Bridges Renewal Programme projects include:

• Komungla Bridge Replacement - $1.53 million – Goulburn Mulwaree Council

• Kippilaw Bridge Replacement - $937,000 – Goulburn Mulwaree Council
• Lansdowne Bridge Replacement - $3.25 million – Goulburn Mulwaree Council
• Abercrombie River Bridge Replacement - $750,000 – Upper Lachlan Shire Council
• Bennett Springs Bridge Replacement - $478,000 – Boorowa (Hilltops) Council
• Belanglo Rd Culvert Replacement - $202,500 – Wingecarribee Shire Council

“Our councils can get on board by nominating local bridges that need upgrading or replacement,” Mr Taylor said.

“Residents who might like to put forward their ideas should get in touch with their council to find out about any plans they have to nominate local bridges, or put forward suggestions.

“Better bridges improve safety and access for communities, and keep businesses and the road freight sector powering on – delivering dollars into the pockets of local businesses and supporting jobs.”

State, territory and local governments are eligible to apply for up to $5 million in Federal Government funding per project.

Nominated projects will go through a competitive merit-based selection process, with successful applicants eligible to receive up to 50 per cent of project costs, or $5 million.

Proponents should discuss priorities with their local communities, industry stakeholders, Regional Development Australia committees and relevant government road agencies early in the process of compiling their proposals.

Round Three is open for applications until 15 May 2017.

Guidelines and proposal forms are now available on the Bridges Renewal Programme website at: www.infrastructure.gov.au/bridges