Senator Jana Stewart
Mutthi Mutthi and Wamba Wamba
Labor Senator for Victoria

The Hon Kristy McBain
Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories

The Albanese Labor Government continues to support Northern Grampians Shire Council improve the safety and efficiency of the local road network in the Wimmera, with $370,000 towards to replace Wallaloo East Road bridge.

The Bridge redesign will include strengthening and pavement works, widening the bridge to accommodate two-way traffic, realigning the road, and installing guardrails.

It is one of 11 projects sharing in over $41 million, under the latest round of Bridges Renewal Program funding.

Upgrades to bridges will stretch across, from Cloncurry in Queensland, Young in NSW, Wallaloo in Victoria, and Indigo Valley in Western Australia – as part of the $85 million per year program.

Single-lane timber bridges will be replaced with double-lane concrete structures, which will be safer and more durable.

The upgraded bridges will increase heavy load capability, improve pedestrian access, and be more resilient to flooding events – ensuring vital community access points remain open.

For more information on the Bridges Renewal Program, visit: https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/about/local-initiatives/bridges-renewal-program.aspx.

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, the Hon Kristy McBain MP:

“As part of our on-going partnership with local governments, we’re investing over $41 million to support them upgrade and replace ageing bridges across our regional and rural communities.

“As timber bridges meet the end of their operational life and as communities outside of our big cities grow, we’re ensuring that local infrastructure meets current and future demand.

“These projects will improve road safety, enable businesses to deliver and receive their products and services more efficiently, and reduce the long-term maintenance expenditure for local councils.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Victoria, Jana Stewart:

“We want more people to live in and visit the Wimmera region, which is why we need to ensure that our local roads are fit-for-purpose.

“This $370,000 in funding will do exactly that, by replacing the ageing Wallaloo East Road Bridge with a modern, more durable, and safer structure.”

“As a country kid, I’m proud to be part of a government that prioritised and invests in our rural and regional communities.”