A consortium comprising Georgiou Group Pty Ltd and BMD Constructions Pty Ltd has been named as the Preferred Proponent to deliver the new Fitzroy River Bridge in the Kimberley region.
The consortium will form an alliance with Main Roads and design consultant BG&E to undertake this critical project. Preliminary design investigations are already underway, with site works expected to begin in May 2023 subject to weather conditions and resolution of relevant approvals.
Georgiou Group Pty Ltd and BMD Constructions Pty Ltd have considerable experience in constructing bridges in Western Australia and have the resources and capacity to commence construction activities as soon as possible after the current wet season.
In addition to the permanent restoration of connectivity between the east and west Kimberley, the bridge replacement project will see significant investment in the region's economy. The Alliance will generate opportunities for local suppliers and will work with Traditional Owners and local Aboriginal Corporations to maximise employment and economic outcomes.
A formal Alliance Agreement with the Preferred Proponent will be executed in the coming weeks, with the new bridge expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
In addition to the freight subsidy support announced yesterday, the WA and Commonwealth Governments will also provide up to $80 million to undertake emergency road recovery works following Ex-Tropical Cyclone Ellie under the joint Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.
The initial works include emergency works to reconnect the region, the installation of the low-level crossing at Fitzroy Crossing, the barge infrastructure and operation, Gibb River Road reinstatement works and permanent repairs at Willare and Fitzroy Crossing.
Works are being prioritised by Main Roads and will get underway as soon as practically possible, working to the seasonal weather conditions.
Discussions between the Australian and Western Australian Government regarding the shared costs of the bridge replacement are well progressed.
Today also marks another milestone in the reopening of Great Northern Highway between Broome and Derby near Willare.
Road and river levels will be monitored closely and if required, access may need to be temporarily limited.
Works to widen a temporary gravel road to two lanes have now been completed, and the road will be reopened to all traffic but restricted to daylight hours between 7am - 6pm.
You can stay up to date with the latest news on the road recovery effort by visiting Kimberley Flood Response | Main Roads Western Australia
Comments attributable to Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan:
"The appointment of a preferred proponent is a critical step in reconnecting the Great Northern Highway, and getting the Fitzroy Bridge rebuilt.
"The preferred proponents we have announced have a significant experience in this space, and importantly have capacity to deliver these works in our heated construction market.
"My Government is absolutely committed to supporting the Kimberley through the recovery process, whatever it takes."
Comments attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"Progress on replacing the Fitzroy Crossing Bridge and ensuring the local community benefits from the economic activity the project will generate is great news for the people of Fitzroy Crossing.
"A permanent, and more resilient bridge not only restores the connection for the communities on the two sides of the river but also provides more certainty about freight routes."
Comments attributable to Federal Minister for Emergency Management Murray Watt:
"The Albanese and McGowan Governments have worked very collaboratively on recovery efforts, and that work will continue.
"Restoring access to communities is a central part of recovery efforts, and it's pleasing to see this latest milestone in the recovery being announced today."
Comments attributable to WA Minister for Planning Hon Rita Saffioti:
"The new Fitzroy River bridge is a project of critical importance to the Kimberley region, the freight industry and all those businesses and communities that rely on the road network in the north of the State.
"I commend Main Roads for fast-tracking its procurement process to allow construction to begin as quickly as possible.
"Main Roads and their Alliance partners will work closely with Traditional Owners to ensure key cultural and heritage considerations associated with the new bridge are carefully addressed and will maximise opportunities for local businesses in Fitzroy Crossing and the wider region."
Comments attributable to WA Minister for Emergency Service Hon Stephen Dawson
"Reconnecting communities isolated by this unprecedented flooding event is crucial for the region's recovery.
"The Fitzroy River Bridge is a vital artery for the Kimberley.
"Ensuring we have a safe, secure replacement for the future is a priority for the McGowan Government."
Comments attributed to Kimberley MLA Divina D'Anna:
"This is an important milestone in the recovery for our region and in the reconnection of the Kimberley.
"The Fitzroy River Bridge works are being actioned as a priority, which I know will be a great relief for our communities and welcome news for businesses and industry that depend on this route.
"It is also fantastic Great Northern Highway has reopened between Broome and Derby.
"The efforts to reconnect and support our region after the floods has been extraordinary and I'm grateful to all involved in this process."
