“For too long communities and businesses in country NSW have had to put up with old and out-dated infrastructure,” Mr Gay said. “The bridge was costly to maintain, with weight limit restrictions for trucks and buses.

Minister Gay said since March 2011 the NSW Government had delivered an historic $1.55 billion to upgrade and maintain council-owned roads, bridges and culverts across NSW.

“Since taking office, the NSW Government has delivered a 25 per cent increase in funding, compared to past Labor governments, to Palerang Council to help upgrade council-owned infrastructure, like the bridge over the Molonglo River,” Mr Gay said.

“Mr Barilaro has been instrumental in delivering state government funds to ensure Palerang Council is able to upgrade its transport and freight infrastructure.”

“The community now had an upgraded two-lane concrete bridge with increased weight capacity, which would improve efficiency for heavy vehicles and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.”

Mr Barilaro said the local community now had a greater transport option with improved access for services, including school buses, to commute safely.

“The NSW Government provided $600,000, with a further $400,000 funded by council to ensure the project could be delivered on time and on budget,” Mr Barilaro said.

“The new bridge will encourage more tourists into town, with statistics showing around 220 vehicles a day using the old bridge” he said.

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