Jointly funded through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA),
the Infrastructure
Betterment Program is the first of its kind in Western Australia.
Essential public road infrastructure damaged by January's record-breaking
flooding following ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie is being rebuilt to a stronger,
more resilient standard intended to better withstand future natural disasters.
The new Fitzroy River Bridge, which was officially opened today, was the
first completed project, with upgrades to damaged sections of the Great
Northern Highway and Gibb River Road also underway. The program will also
support the betterment of impacted local government road networks to safeguard
against future natural hazards.
Betterment works will decrease the repetitious damage to flood-prone
essential public assets and lower future reconstruction costs, saving money for
all levels of government and alleviating disruption to the community in the
long term.
Works undertaken through the Infrastructure Betterment Program will
complement the estimated $450 million repair and rebuild works underway on
flood-damaged roads and bridges – also jointly funded by both governments.
The Albanese and Cook Governments are committed to investing in rebuilding
flood-impacted roads, bridges and floodways to withstand the impacts of future
natural hazards in the Kimberley.
Quotes attributable
to WA Premier, Roger Cook:
"Our Kimberley road network is vital for freight, transport and tourism, and
this funding will help future proof this critical infrastructure for
generations to come.
"Importantly, a significant portion of the works to build back better will
be completed by local workers and businesses.
"I am grateful to the Albanese Government for their support in this project,
which is the first of its kind in Western Australia."
Quotes attributable
to Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Murray Watt:
"In less than 12 months since the devastating flooding event cut off
communities, this betterment program is already seeing essential road
infrastructure built back stronger and more resilient.
"The program is about helping to improve the public road network and other
critical assets so communities aren't impacted as severely when more frequent
weather events strike.
"The Albanese Government will continue to work with the Cook Government to
deliver disaster recovery funding initiatives when needed."
Quotes attributable
to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and
Local Government Catherine King:
"I welcome this Australian Government commitment to deliver upgrades like
these to improve flood resilience, reliability and capacity for roads and
bridges in the Kimberley region.
"This program is just another example of what can be achieved when federal
and state governments work together to improve dependability and safety for all
road users and I'm pleased to see upgrades from this program already in use."
Quotes attributable
to WA Minister for Emergency Services, Stephen Dawson:
"The upgrades will not only help reduce future impacts on communities in the
Kimberley region, but also reduce the costs of recovery when the next natural
hazard occurs.
"This is the first betterment program of its kind in Western Australia and
we welcome the Australian Government's co-investment.
"The Cook Government will continue to support flood-affected communities and
advocate for what they need to be better prepared and recover quicker from
natural disasters."
Quotes attributable
to WA Minister for Transport, Rita Saffioti:
"The Kimberley floods were absolutely devastating, but to see infrastructure
rebuilt to a stronger standard so they can withstand future severe weather
events will be absolutely critical to the region's resilience.
"I want to thank the Federal Government for their engagement and financial
support on key projects like the new Fitzroy River Bridge, which is bigger and
strong than the original bridge and will open to traffic this Sunday, only
seven months after the old bridge was demolished."
Quotes attributable
to Member for Kimberley Divina D'Anna:
"Roads in the Kimberley need to be resilient to withstand some of the most
extreme weather conditions in the country.
"This funding will strengthen our infrastructure, to give locals a sense of
security during the upcoming wet season."
