The existing traffic bridge between Yarrawonga Mulwala is certain to be demolished regardless of the new route.
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NSW Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) have been resolute in their intention to knock down the iconic structure which was made clear at yesterday’s monthly meeting of Federation Council in Urana.
Federation Council’s General Director Engineering Services Steve Carmichael advised the existing bridge will not be retained following completion of a new structure, on whichever route after discussions held with RMS.
Council also confirmed that late April will be when Mulwala-based residents are to be surveyed as to their preference for either the grey or green route for the new bridge.
RMS has requested the upcoming postal ballot state that the non-retention of existing bridge will be for either route.
Councillor Bronwyn Thomas enquired as to the authority to not retain the existing bridge.
Mr Charmichael said that it was a “parliamentary decision” and it is “final”.
“All bridges along the Murray River are NSW owned,” he added.
In other news the Mulwala Yarrawonga crossing has now been lifted to third in priority ranking for bridge replacements along the Murray River behind the Swan Hill Bridge (already designed), followed by the Tooleybuc Bridge (not yet designed).
RMS expects the weir bridge to be closed by mid-2020, however no firm date has been advised as to the actual closure date by managing authority Murray Darling Basin Authority (MDBA).
Federation Council’s General Manager Adrian Butler and Steve Carmichael met with the Regional Manager of Roads and Maritime Services Lindsay Tanner in Corowa on Thursday, March 28 to discuss primarily the status of the Melbourne Street upgrade work in Mulwala.
“The opportunity was taken during the meeting to discuss any updates on the Mulwala Yarrawonga Murray River crossing,” Mr Carmichael said.
“Mr Tanner is prepared to meet with council following the postal ballot to discuss the outcomes and future directions for the project.”
Federation Council resolved yesterday to invite Mr Tanner to meet with council once the outcome of the postal ballot is determined to progress discussions on the new bridge for Yarrawonga Mulwala.
After the Mulwala survey Federation Council wants to have a meeting with representatives of many organisations and to discuss the new bridge for Lake Mulwala and the existing weir bridge impending closure set for mid-2020 – as resolved at council’s March meeting.
Those organisations and individuals include Moira Shire Council, the MDBA, NSW and Victorian Cross Border Commissioners, NSW and Victorian State members, Federal members and the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack.
“The main agenda item will be to discuss lifting the priority and timing of the new bridge, and to discuss options with the existing weir bridge, in light of the decision by the MDBA to shut the weir bridge in 2020,” Mayor Pat Bourke said.
“Discussions should look towards if there is a willingness for the MDBA to reconsider this decision if a firmer timeline can be established for a new bridge.”
The decision made by both states’ governments and the states’ road authorities has been for the grey route – alongside the existing traffic bridge. The previous Victorian Liberal Government backed the green route but the new Labor Government decided on the grey route as recommended by the VicRoads.
The previous Corowa Shire Council was unanimous in its resolve for the grey route.
Despite the decision being made some years ago, it is believed that no grey route bridge design has been completely developed.
Although there has not been a vote in the new Federation Council as to its preferred route, it is believed that, in a close vote the green route would be preferred.
Moira Shire Council has remained steadfast in its resolve for the green route, alongside the railway line and has the backing of the greater percentage of Yarrawonga residents following a survey of Yarrawonga-based residents in 2017.
A report prepared by RMS and VicRoads in 2018 put back in priority rating a replacement bridge which is expected to cost over $100 million, rating it a ‘mid-term priority’, suggesting a five-to 10 year wait and falling behind six other bridges.
That number of six has become three. But both Federation and Moira councils want a much quicker time frame for a new bridge, especially with the impending closure of the weir bridge in 2020.
Mr Carmichael and Cr Andrew Kennedy mentioned the dilemma facing the Australian Munitions plant in Mulwala if the weir bridge is closed as their transport of ammunition to Benalla is currently only allowed via the weir bridge.
“It would mean going over to Barooga or up to Corowa to get into Victoria and then to Benalla,” Mr Carmichael said.
Cr Fred Longmire urged all to lobby Federal Government members or candidates for urgent action.
Cr Gail Law reminded council it is not council’s decision as to the route of the bridge.
“Council can only make a recommendation – the road authorities recommend to government who then make the decision,” she said.
Journalist