Ramsey Announces Solution for Joy Baluch Bridge
Federal Member for Grey Rowan Ramsey said he is delighted with the allocation of $160m in the 2018 Budget for the duplication of the Joy Baluch Bridge in Port Augusta.
“I have worked hard on a solution for the bridge advocating strongly with Ministers Joyce, Chester, Fletcher and McCormack.
“The Government and the Prime Minister have recognised the importance of this issue which needs a solution to improve safety for the community.
“Pedestrian safety on the bridge has been a longstanding concern and exacerbated since the closure of the Great Western Bridge where more pedestrians and cyclists were forced to use the Joy Baluch Bridge,” he said.
“The bridge is the key crossing to access the Upper Spencer Gulf and the only viable link between east and west Port Augusta. Emergency services can be sidelined if traffic is interrupted on the bridge and Yorkeys Crossing is subject to frequent closures when wet.
“Trying to negotiate a solution has been a hard haul with the previous State Government so it is refreshing now to have a new Marshall Government keen to work with the Federal Government to find long-term answers to the tough issues.”
Mr Ramsey has met with residents and resident groups in Port Augusta on several occasions to gauge local priorities in finding a solution.
“The duplication of the bridge has always been the best long-term, permanent solution and I am very pleased this has now been announced.”
Media contact: Leonie Lloyd-Smith 02 6277 4967
May 7 2018
