ALBURY MP Greg Aplin has renewed pressure on Victorian Roads Minister Luke Donnellan settle on the route for the Yarrawonga-Mulwala bridge.
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The new Labor government has made no public comment on a route since winning office last November.
Former Victorian Transport Minister Terry Mulder said during caretaker mode that the bridge would be built on the green route — supported by Moira Council and MPs, Tim McCurdy and Mr Aplin, but opposed by Corowa Shire, in Mr Aplin’s electorate.
“The Victorian Labor government has been in place for eight months and the route decision for the Yarrawonga-Mulwala Bridge is still pending,” Mr Aplin said.
“This matter was presented to the minister very early in his appointment by the member for Ovens Valley, Tim McCurdy, VicRoads and representatives of Corowa Council but still no decision has been made.
“Advice received from NSW Roads and Maritime has suggested that even if the minister made the decision today, the works required would not be completed before the weir access road is closed in 2020.
“This would mean all traffic would be forced to use the one crossing while awaiting the completion of works.
“This would cause great inconvenience to residents, visitors and industry.”
NSW has held an election since Victoria went to the polls, but Mr Aplin said NSW Roads Minister Duncan Gay was clear on this matter.
“NSW money is on the table and Mr Gay expressed concerns during his recent visit to Albury over the Victorian Government’s ability to fund the project,” Mr Aplin said.
“This delay on a commitment to a new bridge crossing is preventing detailed planning and causing concern to the border community.”
The replacement bridge could cost up to $90 million before it is finally completed.
The green route is situated near the existing weir crossing, which is earmarked for closure in 2020, and the grey route is next to the traffic bridge that now links Yarrawonga and Mulwala.
A spokesman for Mr Donnellan said: “The Victorian government is working to determine the most appropriate route alignment for the Yarrawonga-Mulwala community.
“We have been provided with detailed information from VicRoads, Moira Shire and Corowa Shire, as well as the community in order to get the best outcome.”
