Monday, 14 September 2015

Minister for Roads Duncan Gay, Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen and Dungog Shire Council Mayor Harold Johnston today announced Torryburn residents would soon see work taking shape on a new permanent bridge with the building tender awarded to Civil Bridge & Wharf.

Civil Bridge & Wharf is carrying out design work for the new crossing over the Allyn River to provide residents permanent safe access after the old bridge washed away during the devastating Hunter storms in April.

“The floods that caused this damage will be remembered for many generations in Torryburn – this new bridge is a vital part of the rebuilding process,” Mr Gay said.

“The NSW Government has prioritised the funding application to allow council to reinstate roads and bridges to their pre-disaster condition as soon as possible in this local area.”

Mr Johnsen said the new bridge is testament to the support the area had received over the last couple of months off sorrouning communties, different organisations and the NSW Government.

“The Dungog local government area was one of the hardest hit areas during April’s wild weather,” Mr Johnsen said.

“In response to this, the NSW Government is providing almost $2.6 million in Natural Disaster assistance funding to provide access to Torryburn township for residents who were cut off after the old Torryburn bridge collapsed and was washed away.

“$1.1 million has already been spent on a side track which has provided emergency access to and from town for Torryburn residents and the remaining $1.5 million will fund the new bridge.”

Dungog Shire Council Mayor Harold Johnston said the new bridge is going to be stronger than its predecessor and will serve our community for decades to come.

“The council is thankful that the state government has responded so quickly to get this bridge up and running again.”

Roads and Maritime will continue to support Dungog Shire Council with assistance and technical support until the new bridge is completed at Torryburn and all storm damaged roads are repaired.

Work on the new bridge is expected to start late this year and be completed early next year, weather permitting.

For more information about the project visit www.rms.nsw.gov.au or www.dungog.nsw.gov.au.

MEDIA: Vanessa Juresic | 0419 618 081

Michael Johnsen |0419 696 756

View the original media release