Four new bridge upgrades in the northern reaches of the New England Electorate have been funded under Round 5 of the Australian Government’s Bridges Renewal Program (BRP).

Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, said the $1.5 million in new investment included $365,500 to replace Paddys Flat Road (North) Bridge and $350,000 for Paddys Flat Road (South) Bridge in the Tenterfield Shire.

A further $375,000 will fund replacement of the Martins Gully-Shambrook Ave Bridge in the Armidale Shire and $472,500 will go toward the Yarrow Creek Bridge - Mt Mitchell Rd in the Glen Innes Shire.

“We’re fast-tracking these investments to provide safer roads and better bridges as well as more employment and added economic stimulus for the New England,” Mr Joyce said.

“Whether you’re in Tenterfield, Armidale or Glen Innes, delivery of this infrastructure will provide a much-needed boost to jobs and the local economy as construction ramps up.

“Every single local job the Australian Government supports on the Northern Tablelands and in the New England by investing in infrastructure projects means one less worry for another local family, putting work on the books for local construction companies and more cash flowing through local businesses and communities.”

The recent bridge funding followed the announcement of $13 million in Australian Government investment to upgrade roads across the New England.

Assistant Minister for Road Safety and Freight Transport Scott Buchholz said 50 per cent of this funding would benefit communities impacted by the ongoing drought and earlier bushfire events.

“Round 5 of the BRP provides an opportunity for many councils to begin the process of replacing or upgrading bridges damaged in bushfire events, both rounds demonstrating our steadfast commitment to continue to stand side by side with these communities doing it particularly tough,” Assistant Minister Buchholz said.

(ENDS)