Major work on the Batemans Bay Bridge is now underway with the first sod turned and a new training hub officially opened to upskill the local workforce.
Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey and Member for Bega, Andrew Constance said the Liberals and Nationals in Government are providing $274 million, which will improve freight access, reduce traffic delays, and deliver a new work force for the South Coast.
“Today we celebrated two major milestones for the Batemans Bay Bridge project, the opening of a new facility to help inspire and empower the future skills base for the South Coast, and the start of major work on the bridge,” Mrs Pavey said.
Member for Bega, Andrew Constance said in coming days, the community will start to see crane platforms being built on the southern side of the river, which will house large 250 tonne cranes used to install piles, piers and platforms on the new bridge.”
“Work to build a new, temporary boat ramp at Korners Park is also expected to start in the next few days.”
“Work will also begin on a facility south of Mogo to manufacture the concrete segments of the bridge. The location has been chosen to reduce impacts around the town centre and to ensure construction jobs for the project stay local.
Above: Sod turn for commencement of Major Works: Andrew Constance, Uncle Les, Melinda Pavey and Uncle Owen
Opening of the new Infrastructure Training Hub with: Layton Simon, Minister for Roads Melinda Pavey, Sameeka Wighton and Member for Bega Andrew Constance.
“We are getting on with the job of delivering better infrastructure, connectivity, training and job security for the region,” Mr Constance said.
“The Training Hub, which officially opened today, was set up within the Infrastructure Skills Legacy Program (ISLP) as part of the NSW Government’s $68 billion investment in major infrastructure programs across the state.
“The program is specifically aimed at under-represented or disadvantaged groups in this sector, particularly in regional areas,” Mr Constance said.
“The Training Hub at Batemans Bay will be available for the duration of the bridge replacement project and will host a variety of training programs to help build the future skills base of the South Coast workforce.”
“The Training Hub can accommodate around 80 students and will be used for a range of courses to meet the needs of the evolving workforce and labour requirements.”
For more information on the Batemans Bay Bridge replacement project visit rms.nsw.gov.au/batemansbaybridge
