Gippsland › Latest news › Tim Bull MP
Bushfire damaged remains of Thurra River Bridge and yet Andrews Labor government not sending tender out after nearly three years
Two years and nine months after the 2019/20 fires destroyed the Thurra River Bridge, the Andrews Labor government has not even put out tenders for its replacement.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said this was disgraceful, after Premier Andrews said he would do everything possible to expedite recovery works. "What this city-centric government doesn't seem to understand is the importance of having this region open for the local economies of towns like Orbost and Cann River."
The bushfire damaged remains of the Thura River bridge, with works still not put out to tender for its replacement
Issue that causes problems
Mr Bull said, "There are just 50 campsites at Thurra River and every holiday period they do their shopping and buy gear in these two towns. Point Hicks is also a popular tourist destination, yet here we are almost three years on with no plans finalised and no tenders out."
"I was advised this week that fuel, essential supplies and maintenance items are being delivered to the lighthouse by helicopter and the helicopter comes from Mansfield - what is that costing the Victorian taxpayer while the government fiddles around."
"However, this issue also causes other problems. As a result of machinery not being able to get to the Point Hicks Road, we have it eroding with the sea undercutting the road in some areas. If the bridge was fixed, it could be dealt with in a cost-effective manner, but it is now likely to continue to worsen and result in a multi-million repair bill." said Mr Bull.
Labor ignoring the regions
Mr Bull said it was little wonder seven weeks out from polling opening in the state election Labor had not announced a candidate, as was the case in many other rural areas.
"On one hand it is just another case of Daniel Andrews ignoring the regions, but on the other hand, who would want to stick their hand up to represent a party that has dragged its feet on fire recovery works and wants to close down our timber industry," he said.
Pictures from Tim Bull MP website.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
ANZAC Day events across South Gippsland and other shire council updates
Stay vigilant and report scams to IDCare on 1800595160 as over 500,000 Aussies lose $3B in 2022
Community feedback needed for East Gippsland Shire Council Draft 2024/25 Budget by 29 May 2024
Fresh food tax criticised by industry as lack of clarity on payment and collection will harm families and farmers
Russell Broadbent seeks answers to 20% increase in cardiac arrests by advocating investigation to include vaccine mandates
East Gippsland Shire Council highlights telecommunications infrastructure when advocating over thirty goals for community resilience and development
Russell Broadbent addresses nationwide Covid injustices-rights breaches, lockdowns, mandates and waste of $577B on vaccine and tests
Students from Orbost Community College tour East Gippsland Water facilities to learn about water safety, filtration and potential careers
Drouin wastewater treatment plant instals Australia's largest floating solar array of 644 panels as part of Gippsland Water renewable energy plan
Gippsland Water aids Wellington Mint-bush conservation through genetic research to increasing numbers and diversity
