Future Yarrawonga/Mulwala Bridge replacement discussion progresses

Published on 07 June 2021

Federation and Moira councils were joined by NSW Government Regional Roads and Transport Minister, The Hon Paul Toole MLA and Member for Albury Justin Clancy to progress discussions in respect to the preferred route of the Yarrawonga/Mulwala Bridge replacement recently.

Federation Council General Manager, Adrian Butler presented to the Minister and other meeting guests on the project history to date, consultation completed, the green route benefits and both councils hope for a green route bridge replacement commitment from the NSW Government in the near future.

Both councils continue to advocate the green route, which is heavily supported by their respective communities in Yarrawonga and Muwlala, as well as the Victorian State Government and Federal Government.

Federation Council Mayor, Cr Pat Bourke said Council very much welcomed the opportunity afforded through the advocacy efforts of Council, and subsequently taken up by our local Member Justin Clancy, to have the Regional Roads and Transport Minister, The Hon Paul Toole MLA meet with Federation and Moira councils and the Mulwala Progress Association Chair, Robert Purtle OAM at Mulwala on Wednesday.

“The Minister was very forthcoming in his commitment to ensuring the ongoing debate about the green route favoured by the communities on both sides and both councils, does not go on for too much longer,” Mayor Bourke said.

“We look forward to hearing of more updates from the NSW Government over the coming weeks about the way forward into making this critical decision to finalise the route and allow the much needed new bridge to actually then commence planning for construction.  We pay credit also to the ongoing partnership and strong relationship with our Moira Shire counterparts, working together as one community, with one vision, to continue to bring this project forward, and to work together on many other strategic planning and other areas into the future.”

Moira Shire Council Mayor, Cr Libro Mustica said Moira Shire appreciated being able to attend the meeting via video call to progress the bridge replacement discussion.

“We’re absolutely convinced the green route has been supported by local residents and councils because it creates a safer pedestrian environment in which tourism and lifestyle around Lake Mulwala can flourish without the impact of heavy trucks,” Mayor Mustica said.

“Every local MP, both State and Federal, Liberal, Labor and Nats agree that the green route is the way to go and we’ve been delighted to have that same view expressed by Victoria’s Roads Minister. We look forward to NSW and Victoria uniting with the overwhelming community support for green so that design and planning can proceed”.  

Mayor Bourke said Council would like to pay its sincere thanks to local Member Justin Clancy for his efforts in bringing Minister Toole to the Federation Local Government Area.

“Council continues to appreciate the advocacy work, advice and support that Justin provides on so many of our strategic projects,” he said.

“We always appreciate his time and the attention to detail that he gives to each project consistently. His efforts and commitment to our Council region is commendable, and certainly does not go unnoticed. It takes a team effort to drive important decisions and processes such as this and I feel that Wednesday’s meeting was another step closer in our communities having assured clarity on this matter for the future.” 

A final report into the green and grey routes is expected to be released on June 15 by the NSW State Government, which will allow for both communities to have their final say on the preferred route. The Minister indicated an announcement of support from the NSW Government on their preferred route for the future new bridge would be made thereafter. 

Above from left to right: Federation Council General Manager Adrian Butler, Member for Albury Justin Clancy, The Hon Paul Toole MLA, Federation Council Cr Andrew Kennedy, Federation Council Mayor Cr Patrick Bourke, Mulwala Progress Association Chair, Robert Purtle OAM.