Feasibility study locked in for Burrum River bridge

A re-elected Coalition Government will provide up to $200,000 to support a long-awaited feasibility study into an additional bridge across the Burrum River.

Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt and Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester announced the funding today.

Mr Pitt said he had long advocated for a study to be undertaken to thoroughly investigate the cost of the bridge which has the potential to reduce the travelling time between Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.

“The Burrum River bridge has long been a contentious issue for the Hinkler electorate,” Mr Pitt said.

“While there are many views within the community on the proposal, my view has always been that there should be a proper and thorough cost-benefit analysis of the project.

“The project has the potential to provide a new coastal link from Hervey Bay to Bundaberg and attract more visitors to the communities of Toogoom, Burrum Heads, Buxton and Woodgate.

“I’m pleased that the Coalition can support Fraser Coast Regional Council to co-ordinate the feasibility study and if re-elected, I look forward to working with council to progress the study.”

Mr Chester said the feasibility study would take into account the overall cost of a new bridge, connecting roads and infrastructure, the benefits to the community, environmental impacts and land acquisition.

“Only the Coalition is committed to developing and investing in regional Australia and I look forward to seeing the results of the feasibility study upon completion,” Mr Chester.