funding win: Joe Krusl (Roads and Maritime Services) with Upper Hunter MP George Souris, Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts and Duncan Gay at Broads Crossing.
Significant funding announcements were made in the Upper Hunter on Tuesday afternoon.
A total of $600,000 from the NSW Department of Roads and Maritime Services will go towards repairing Broads Crossing.
The minister for Roads and Maritime Services, Duncan Gay, made his way to the unusable crossing near Aberdeen to make the announcement and said the government was pleased to be able to dig deep.
He also acknowledged the Upper Hunter Shire’s contribution of $800,000 to build a high level single-lane bridge.
“This is going to give access to all,” Mr Gay said.
Upper Hunter Shire mayor Lee Watts was also present for the announcement.
“We are delighted the minister could come here and make the announcement today,” she said.
“We will continue discussions with State Water seeking support in-kind, but we are well on the way with a solution to replacing Broads Crossing.
“This will allow for vital access to the community and workers of the Upper Hunter Shire.”
Upper Hunter local member George Souris said it was unusual to have three agencies involved in funding for infrastructure, these being the Department of Primary Industries which oversees State Water, the Department of Roads and Maritime Services and the council.
“There is a degree of difficulty but we have made progress and with the $800,000 contribution from the Upper Hunter Shire we will reach fruition with a high level single-lane bridge,” he said.
“Coordination is not easy, though the minister, Katrina Hodgkinson, said she would provide in-kind assistance.
“We are hoping to gain financial support from State water in the forthcoming period.”