Community feedback confirms Yarrawonga-Mulwala Bridge Realignment
Published on 11 January 2022
The preferred route for a new crossing over the Murray River between the twin towns of Mulwala in NSW and Yarrawonga in Victoria is one step closer, following the release of a community feedback summary report.
The ‘Green’ route will now be confirmed with the NSW and Victorian governments after community consultation to better understand the community’s preference.
Federation Council Mayor, Cr Pat Bourke said the decision made by the NSW Government to support the green route for a new Yarrawonga Mulwala Bridge was welcomed news.
“Council has continually advocated both the NSW and Victorian State Governments for some time to ensure there was a strong awareness of the preferred route determined by our community at the forefront of this decision making process,” Mayor Bourke said.
“It is fantastic that our community’s sentiments have been heard and actioned upon and Council look forward with anticipation for funding to be secured to allow construction to begin on this vital transport link.”
Mayor Bourke said he would like to pay credit to the ongoing partnership and strong relationship with Council’s Moira Shire counterparts.
“We have worked together as one community, with one vision, to continue to bring this project forward to where it is today,” he said.
“I would also like to pay thanks to local Member Justin Clancy for his efforts in bringing former NSW Regional Roads and Transport Minister, The Hon Paul Toole MLA to meet with Federation and Moira councils and the Mulwala Progress Association Chair in June last year. This meeting I believe was critical in securing the bridge route consultation process and we thank Justin and appreciate his advocacy work, advice and support that he continues to provide on so many of our strategic projects such as this.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Sam Farraway said Transport for NSW called for feedback on the project’s preferred alignment, to better understand community views about the two options presented.
“We’ve known since the previous consultation held in 2014 that there’s been growing support from communities on both sides of the border for the ‘Green’ route, it’s no surprise that the feedback confirms strong support for this alignment,” Mr Farraway said.
“We recognise that if we don’t identify a suitable crossing alignment now, forecast population and urban growth in the Mulwala-Yarrawonga region will make it difficult for strategic planning and development to progress.
“The new Mulwala Bridge will replace the existing, aged bridge to better accommodate the more than 11,000 motorists that cross this bridge each day - a number that is expected to keep growing. “It will also play a critical role in ensuring improved transport and socio-economic activity between the twin towns, so it is imperative that we get this right.”
Victorian Minister for Roads and Road Safety Ben Carrol said that two options – a ‘Grey’ route and a ‘Green’ route - had been previously presented to the community. In 2015, the NSW and Victorian governments announced the ‘Grey’ route as the preferred option.
“Based on feedback and changed council preferences, both governments understood community sentiment may have changed and we felt further consultation was necessary to confirm the preferred option,” Mr Carroll said.
“Transport for NSW received 285 comments during consultation held from 15 June to 30 July this year, which focused on issues including requests to retain the existing bridge, concerns about trucks on Belmore Street and planning for future population growth and development.”
Support for the ‘Green’ route referenced reduced congestion due to heavy vehicles being diverted away from Yarrawonga town centre, while ‘Grey’ route support focused on connectivity between the two town centres, including pedestrians and cyclists, and local traffic flow between frequently accessed destinations.
Member for Albury Justin Clancy said this outcome while expected would be very welcome by the two border communities, Federation Council, Moira Council and the Mulwala Progress Association.
“The ‘Green’ route has had widespread community support for some time, now the community has certainty that both state governments also support this alignment and we’re excited to see the bridge a significant step closer to becoming a reality,” Mr Clancy said.
“This route will cater for growing communities on both sides, and will create a more accessible crossing of Lake Mulwala for the local community and freight operators.”
“Mulwala Bridge has been a vital transport link between the twin towns of Mulwala in NSW and Yarrawonga in Victoria since it was built in 1924.”
Transport for NSW will advise both the NSW and Victorian governments of the outcome of consultation and will seek endorsement for the preferred option.
The community will be informed once a clear path forward is formed and funding for the construction of a new structure has been secured.
To view the consultation summary report here.