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Albanese government pledges $245m for Barron River Bridge upgrade

The Barron River Bridge will receive more than $200 million in funding under a new pledge by the Albanese government.

IAnthony Albanese has pledged more than $200m in funding to upgrade the Barron River Bridge, linking Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands. Photo: TMR
IAnthony Albanese has pledged more than $200m in funding to upgrade the Barron River Bridge, linking Cairns to the Atherton Tablelands. Photo: TMR

The Barron River Bridge will receive more than $200 million in funding under an Albanese government.

The Labor government announced it would spend billions of dollars to upgrade key roads in Far North Queensland, including $7.2 billion for upgrades on the Bruce Highway, $70m to seal and upgrade the Kennedy Developmental Road and $210m for the Kuranda Range Road.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese promised more than $200m would go towards upgrading the Barron River Bridge.

“We are delivering $245m to upgrade the Barron River Bridge which will be a huge improvement for local residents, tourists and make it easier for freight to travel through,” Mr Albanese said.

“This is on top of our other major investments to upgrade the Bruce Highway and Kennedy Developmental Road, as well as funding much needed social housing and community facility upgrades.”

It comes after federal treasurer Jim Chalmers announced a $225m allocation for the Barron River Bridge in the federal budget last month.

Transport Minister Catherine King said the road was “vital” to the Far North.

“With the Kennedy Highway such a vital transport link across Far North Queensland, our $245 million investment will help keep locals, tourists and freight moving.”

Originally published as Albanese government pledges $245m for Barron River Bridge upgrade

Original URL: https://www.thechronicle.com.au/news/cairns/albanese-government-pledges-245m-for-barron-river-bridge-upgrade/news-story/b73a6d30efe9ca17d9ae245e5367faf6