Published on Wednesday, 5 April 2023 at 1:00:00 PM
At the March Council meeting, Council resolved to allocate significant funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure (Phase 4) funding program to the renewal and restoration of an iconic heritage and much-loved community asset, the Tramway Bridge.
The LRCI Program supports Local Governments to deliver priority local road and community infrastructure projects to stimulate additional infrastructure construction activity, and growth. It aims to create jobs in local communities following the impacts of COVID-19 and deliver benefits to communities such as improved road safety, accessibility and visual amenity. Phases one to three have been allocated to over one hundred projects to improve roads and community infrastructure projects, with the Tramway Bridge being the first time a phase of the funding is allocated to a single project.
In February 2023 the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications (Department) announced LRCI Phase 4, under which the Shire would receive $844,041 in funding for a project that would benefit the community. Funding will be available from 1 July 2023 with construction to be completed by 30 June 2025. After some debate, Council resolved to allocate the LRCI Phase 4 funding to the restoration of the Tramway Bridge.
LRCI funding does not require a Local Government contribution and can be used to leverage additional external funding. The LRCI Phase 4 funding will be included as part of the Budget 2023/24 budget considerations.
While the Tramway Bridge Restoration was nominated as a priority, other projects that are aligned to the Shire’s Strategic Community Plan were considered and will be developed to be shovel-ready for other potential funding opportunities. These projects are:
- Project 2 - Plaza/RV Friendly Park
- Project 3 - Baxter Park Adventure Land
- Project 4 - Brockman Park Nature Garden
The Tramway Bridge was constructed in 1899 and in service through to 1984 for its connectivity to the One Mile Jetty. Initially the only method of major import and export for Carnarvon until road transport advanced and port facilities ceased, it now remains as a poignant reminder of its importance to our history over the last 124 years.
We look forward to seeing the Tramway Bridge restored for current and future generations of residents to enjoy. While we appreciate that renewal is not as exciting as new developments, we also recognise the importance of protecting and preserving the amazing assets we have.
Photo: Shire Municipal Inventory 2015
Tramway Bridge in 1961, with Gascoyne Hotel pictured in left background
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