Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor has announced $50,000 in funding toward a concrete deck for the Beazleys Lane Bridge at Caragabal.

Funding, to be matched with $50,000 from Weddin Shire Council, has been approved under Round One of the Bridges Renewal Programme.

“This has been a big problem for locals. Congratulations to council on its successful application for money to replace the existing timber deck with a new concrete deck. I hope plans move swiftly, so the bridge can be reopened to traffic,” Mr Taylor said.

Weddin Shire Mayor Mark Liebich welcomed the news, saying it was Council’s intention to order the concrete as soon as funding contracts were signed.

“Local property owners are being forced to use a dirt track through a dry creek bed at the moment – so when it rains, they’re completely cut off. We need to get this fixed as soon as possible.”

Caragabal property owner Dan Cooper said the bridge was the only way in and out for his trucks.

“About a week before harvest last year, it was completely closed down because it was too dangerous. We’ll all be pretty happy when it opens again.”

Mr Taylor said Hume had done well compared to many other electorates under the Bridges Renewal Programme with four other Hume projects also receiving funding:

·         $3.25 million Lansdowne Bridge – east Goulburn

·         $937,000 Kippilaw Bridge, south west of Goulburn

·         $762,000 - Abercrombie River Bridge on the Goulburn/ Oberon Road

·         $535,000 – Burrangong Creek Bridge on the Bribbaree Rd, 12km north of Young

Caption 1: Angus Taylor congratulating Weddin Mayor Mark Liebich on securing Federal funding to fix the Beazleys Lane Bridge at Caragabal.

Caption 2: Beazleys Lane Bridge remains closed to traffic.