Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor is working with Wollondilly Shire Council to get Broughton Pass Bridge re-opened as soon as possible.

“A section of Wilton Road - a regional road under the care and control of Wollondilly Shire Council - was completely removed when a section of a 6-metre high sandstone retaining wall collapsed during the downpour on 5 June 2016,” he said.

“That sandstone retaining wall was built in the 1880s and the bridge spans a sensitive area of Sydney’s drinking water catchment - repairing or replacing this retaining wall back to a standard so the bridge can again safely accommodate thousands of vehicles daily will require precise planning and engineering.”

Mr Taylor inspected the bridge with council engineers recently and said the Federal Government was right behind the Appin community.

“I want to assure the community that we are working on getting the bridge open again as soon as possible,” he said.

“That massive rain event in early June not only had a devastating impact on Picton, but it has hit Appin as well.

“The Federal Government is well aware that Broughton Pass Bridge is an important transport link for services, supplies and customers. We know Appin businesses are hurting.

“In response to the downpour, a range of assistance under the Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) was made available, including funding for the restoration of essential public assets.

“As such, Council can apply for funding under the NDRRA to replace the sandstone retaining wall at the western end of the bridge which collapsed on 5 June.

“I have been in regular contact with the Federal Minister for Justice Michael Keenan’s office on the situation and have been informed that individuals and businesses impacted by the downpour in June may also be eligible for NDRRA support.”

For information on personal hardship and distress assistance, contact the Disaster Welfare Assistance Line on 1800 018 444.

“To apply for a concessional loan, grant or freight subsidy, I encourage those impacted to contact the NSW Rural Assistance Authority on 1800 678 593 or to visit www.raa.nsw.gov.au,” Mr Taylor said.

Wollondilly Shire Council general manager Luke Johnson said: “I am very pleased to hear that those impacted by the closure of Broughton Pass will be eligible to apply for NDRAA support through the federal government.”

“Any support to help those disadvantaged by the storm event is greatly appreciated,” he said.

The Australian Government Disaster Recovery Allowance has also been activated to provide income assistance to eligible employees, small businesses and primary producers. To make a claim, visit www.humanservices.gov.au/disaster

NSW Roads and Maritime Services is providing Council with advice and support to help repair Broughton Pass Bridge. Council is the lead on the work and has engaged NSW Public Works to manage the reconstruction project.

“Council has engaged a consultant to undertake detailed geotechnical investigations and initial design work to identify the appropriate reconstruction method and allow the final designs of new structures to be documented,” Mr Taylor said.

“I encourage residents to contact Wollondilly Shire Council for updates on the tendering and construction timeline.”