There is no doubt about it. Last week’s announcement from Nationals candidate Dugald Saunders that a re-elected Coalition government will fund the replacement of dilapidated timber bridges within our council area is very welcome news for Wellington.
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All up, close to $13 million will flow from the State Government to fix the following bridges:
Terrabella Bridge, $5,500,000; Benolong Rd Bridge, $2,100,000; Fashions Mount Rd (Burrendong Dam) No. 1, $1,400,000; Fashions Mount Rd (Burrendong Dam) No. 2, $2,200,000, Tara Road, $800,000; Stuart Town – Molong St, $800,000.
It is music to my ears when I hear about roads (or in this case bridges) funding being granted by the State Government. Rural roads are one of the most expensive things that Councils have to build and maintain.
In this area we have around 1500 kilometres of rural roads that are not even sealed, and when you consider the amount of sealed roads that are simply not up to scratch and need full reconstruction, ratepayers are simply not able to fund the huge network.
For too long, the people of Wellington have missed out on the most basic of government funding – finally residents are starting to see progress.
Bridges are a particularly costly item as construction can be hefty, especially around waterways.
Rebuilding the two bridges that the public use to access Burrendong Dam is certainly welcome. It will make the tourist and visitor experience at Burrendong more enjoyable.
Rebuilding Stuart Town’s Bridge is also a must. The village of Stuart Town, which is full of character needs this essential upgrade. The locals along Terrabella and Benolong Road will also receive secure access to their properties as well as providing a secure alternate route for traffic coming from the southern side of the Macquarie River from Geurie to access the South Western side of Dubbo.
We are doing fairly well funding-wise from the State Government right now, especially in the old Wellington shire area. We are still looking for funding for the major reconstruction of the Burrendong Way and Renshaw-McGirr Way, the Cameron Park pedestrian bridge, Bell River erosion, the War Memorial repairs, new museum building, restarting a town footpath construction program, town water supplies to Mumbil and Stuart Town, Council’s proposed highway beautification master plan, the completion of the CBD beautification plan and many more.
And that’s not including some of the non-Council needs of Wellington such as a 24-hour police station and improved aged and medical facilities. I’d particularly like to see Wellington with a hydrotherapy pool.
While I’m welcoming Nationals funding announcement, we have all these other projects still yet to be adequately funded, so obviously I am still asking for more.
I am also really keen to see what the Labor opposition are committing to for Wellington.
Community forum
Don’t forget that on Monday, March 4, 5:30pm at the Wellington Bowling Club is the next informal community forum for Wellington locals. The meetings are designed for locals to come and see their Councillors and the Council’s senior staff in an informal setting. They are a great way to raise issues directly with myself and the other Councillors.
