Murray Irrigation supports councils to secure funding to assess local crossings

Murray Irrigation has partnered with five local councils in its footprint to successfully secure $2.733 million in NSW Government funding to conduct load assessments on public bridges and culverts across its network. 

The irrigation company's vast service footprint incorporates the five local government areas (LGAs) of Berrigan, Edward River, Federation, Murray River and Murrumbidgee. 

The funding announced is part of the Fixing Country Roads program – Round 6 and will be used to assess 384 public bridges and culverts located on council-owned roads across the five LGAs over the next 12 months.   

The purpose of the initiative is to complete detailed load assessments of existing load limited structures to review future utility, and to inform future maintenance and replacement programs. 

Murray Irrigation CEO Ron McCalman has welcomed the funding outcome, saying it is a positive example of what strong, collaborative relationships can achieve. 

"Murray Irrigation is pleased to be combining our knowledge, efforts and expertise with the five councils to deliver a proactive solution to a long-standing roads infrastructure issue that will have long-term benefits for the whole community. 

"This funding marks a significant step forward in accomplishing this goal. 

"In this regard, we thank the current NSW Government, and former Coalition Government, for recognising the importance of this local initiative." 

Murray Irrigation and the five LGAs have formed a working group to progress this work, which is being overseen by Murray River Council as the funding proponent of the grant. 

Murray River Council CEO Terry Dodds has welcomed the funding. 

“These local bridges connect to well-utilised transport routes, so it’s pleasing that we can work closely with Murray Irrigation Limited and fellow councils to secure this funding,” Mr Dodds said. 

“Reliable roads and bridge structures are of particular importance in an area like ours that is rich in agriculture and relies heavily on freight trucks to move stock and product, so this will certainly be a worthwhile project. 

“The funding puts us in a position to better understand the condition of the bridge structures so that we can prioritise future network upgrades right across the footprint.” 

(ends)