December 14, 2009

Nambucca Valley roads and bridges which were damaged by flooding are not being repaired because of buck-passing by the NSW and Federal Governments, Federal MP Luke Hartsuyker said today.

Mr Hartsuyker was commenting on correspondence he had received in relation to the Deep Creek Bridge at Valla. Repairs to public infrastructure damaged by floods are jointly funded by the NSW and Federal Governments.  “Following representations I made regarding Deep Creek Bridge at Valla, the Federal Minister responsible Robert McClelland and his State counterpart have passed the buck to the Nambucca Shire Council,” Mr Hartsuyker said.

“According to the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority funding for the repair of the bridge will not be provided because they claim most of the damage occurred due to a lack of maintenance.  Once again the local council are left high and dry because of State and Federal Labor have turned their back on regional communities.

“It is more than eight months since the flood event and the closure of Deep Creek Bridge has had a significant impact on residents in the Valla area. Many small businesses rely on their bridge for their survival and since the bridge closed their turnover has collapsed. It is beyond belief that both the Commonwealth and NSW Governments can simply sit back, wipe their hands of any responsibility on the pretence that the damage to the bridge was a maintenance issue and not a flood matter.”

Mr Hartsuyker said the Deep Creek Bridge was another example of Government spin over substance when it came to supporting communities affected by flood. “During every flood we have had this year, State and Federal Governments have promised the world and delivered very little. The Ministers turn up for a photo opportunity but disappear before the bills have to be paid. Clearly, given the size of the Nambucca shire budget, the council has little hope of replacing numerous bridges which are damaged at the same time.

“Every one is sick of excuses. Both State and Federal Governments must focus on the impact damaged infrastructure is having at a local level. Then maybe they will do the honourable thing and help our local councils,” Mr Hartsuyker said.