Transport Infrastructure Boost Announced in 2022-23 Federal Budget

The Liberal-National Coalition handed down their 2022-23 Federal Budget this week which included a record investment in transport infrastructure.

The rolling 10 year infrastructure investment pipeline will increase to a record breaking amount from $110 billion to $120 billion to better our road and rail networks.

A number of new and existing projects will benefit from the substantial boost, most notably for the Cootamundra electorate was the announcement of $16 million for the planning of the Sheahan Bridge upgrade which is located in the Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council area.

Member for Cootamundra Steph Cooke welcomed the strong financial commitment by the Federal Government to upgrading transport infrastructure including the Sheahan Bridge along the Hume Highway.

“The Sheahan Bridge is a vital section of Hume Highway that provides a safe connection for motorists and freight operators over the Murrumbidgee River floodplain between North and South Gundagai,” Ms Cooke said.

“The original bridge was built way in 1977 with the $78 million duplication funded by the Federal Government completed in mid 2009 as part of the Hume Highway dual lane project.”

“Considering the age of the structures and the immense increase in traffic we have seen along the route in recent years, particularly freight, I have no doubt that the section is due for an upgrade in order to keep up with the ever growing demand.”

This commitment towards funding for transport infrastructure is being further echoed by the NSW Government through the continuing benefits from the $400 million Fixing Country Rail, $500 million Fixing Country Bridges and the $543 Fixing Local Roads programs.

“Just under the Fixing Local Roads program alone across three rounds, the NSW Government has funded over $44 million worth of projects in the Cootamundra electorate,” Ms Cooke added.

“It’s not just the major transport routes that are seeing improvements, our back roads and laneways that are well travelled by local residents are receiving upgrades as well.”

This is the ninth Federal Budget handed down by the Coalition Government with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to deliver the full 2022-23 Budget tonight.

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