Swan Hill Rural City Council has welcomed a $100 million election commitment from the Coalition towards replacing the Swan Hill Bridge.
Mayor, Stuart King said the commitment was a major milestone in Council’s long-running advocacy for a new Swan Hill Bridge.
“This is a fantastic announcement and an important step towards securing the investment needed to replace our ageing bridge.”
“For years, Council has been calling for a safe, modern crossing that meets the needs of our growing region and supports the industries and communities that depend on it.
“Our farmers, freight operators and businesses rely on efficient transport connections to get their products to market. They deserve infrastructure that supports growth, not holds it back.”
The existing bridge carries approximately 4,000 vehicles daily, with heavy vehicles accounting for 9 to 13% of traffic, based on December 2022 figures.
The region produces more than 40 agricultural commodities, including table grapes, almonds, pistachios, olives and stone fruit, with irrigated and dryland cropping production valued at more than $1.4 billion per year.
Mayor King said these figures reinforced the economic importance of a reliable Murray River crossing and the need for bipartisan support to deliver the project.
“With thousands of vehicles crossing each day and billions of dollars in regional agricultural production, the case for investment is clear.
“We welcome the Coalition’s $100 million commitment and now call on all other political parties to match it, ensuring this critical project has the support it needs regardless of the election outcome.
“The replacement of the Swan Hill Bridge is too important to our region’s future to be caught up in politics. Our community deserves certainty that this project will be funded and delivered.
“Council will continue working with both State Governments and advocating across all sides of politics to see this project progress as quickly as possible.
“Our community has waited long enough. It’s time to deliver a bridge that will support our region for generations to come – so we can all finally get over it!” Mayor King said.
Council CEO, Scott Barber said the replacement bridge would deliver significant long-term benefits for the region, improving safety, freight efficiency and connectivity between Victoria and NSW.
“The Swan Hill Bridge is far more than a local road crossing. It is a vital piece of regional infrastructure connecting communities, supporting essential services and linking agricultural producers and businesses with markets across Australia,” Mr Barber said.
“A modern bridge will improve transport reliability, accommodate growing freight demands and provide a safer, more efficient crossing for the thousands of people who rely on it every day.
“This project is critical to the long-term economic growth and prosperity of our region, and Council remains committed to working with all levels of government to support its planning and delivery.”
