MORE bridges across Wannon could soon be upgraded or replaced, thanks to a further investment of $40 million from the Federal Government under the Bridges Renewal Program (BRP).

In a boost for the freight industry, the Federal Government will inject an additional $10 million each year for the next four years into the BRP, increasing annual funding to $95 million.

Projects eligible for funding include replacing and widening bridges, strengthening existing structures, and upgrading floodways to bridges.

Wannon MP, Dan Tehan said with more than 85 per cent of projects funded under the BRP located in regional Australia, this additional funding will further improve our roads across the region and our communities connected.

“Upgrading bridges will improve the road and freight network across Wannon, ensuring businesses can continue to safely and efficiently move their goods to where they need to be,” he said.

“The Bridges Renewal Program has already had a significant impact locally, including upgrades to Edwards Bridge, Warrnambool, Pollands Bridge, Ararat, Henty Creek Bridge, Henty, and the Wye River bridge

“This additional funding will also deliver an important short-term economic boost, supporting local jobs and providing opportunities for local suppliers.

“I look forward to working with local groups to help secure funding for new projects that will benefit businesses, locals and tourists visiting our region, now and into the future.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development minister, Barnaby Joyce said the extra funding would support more projects and jobs while boosting regional industries.

Meanwhile, a new report released by Infrastructure Australia has highlighted the dire conditions of rural and regional roads.

The Regional Strengths and Infrastructure Gaps Report zeroed in on an urgent need to invest more into Victoria’s neglected and crumbling regional roads.

It found a lack of adequate investment in maintenance in Victoria is hampering the freight transport supply chain, with the network in some regions “not designed to support larger freight traffic”.

Victorian shadow roads minister, Steph Ryan said the report showed that regional communities were also missing out on the benefits of increased tourism and population growth because the country network was not up to scratch.

She said the report was a blueprint for better connecting communities across the state, defining specific issues in Barwon-South West, Gippsland, Loddon Mallee, Hume, and The Grampians.

“Regional Victorians are rightly fed up with the state of our roads,” she said.

“Dodging potholes and crumbling road shoulders while facing oncoming B-Doubles is a serious safety concern for motorists and truckies alike.”

Ms Ryan said while the Victorian Government was throwing billions into Melbourne project cost overruns, the regional road network was crumbling.

“Labor’s abysmal project management and budget blowouts will see it spend more than $10 billion on the West Gate Tunnel alone,” she said.

“Fixing and improving regional roads is essential to creating safer and faster connections between families, primary producers, businesses and communities.”