TOOLEYBUC is finally set to get a new bridge over the Murray, however it will come at a financial and emotional cost to one local family.
After two years of living in limbo, the Porteous family have been told they will lose their home to make way for the “yellow option”: a two lane high level bridge, replacing the 108-year-old bridge on the Mallee Highway.
The family home of close to 70 years will be knocked down as VicRoads and Roads and Maritime Service (NSW) begin the final stages of planning for the new bridge.
VicRoads and the Porteous family are currently in negotiations for compensation for the compulsory acquisition of the property and they expect to be gone by the end of the year.
“People think VicRoads turn up with a truckload of money but it is more like a bucket that is half full, and it’s a small bucket,” Deb Porteous said.
“We knew this was going to happen from the get-go but haven’t reached an agreement with VicRoads yet.
“We have found another property to buy so we’ll be gone by Christmas.”
Ms Porteous said her husband had lived at the property his whole life and his family have owned the property since 1946.
“People think VicRoads turn up with a truckload of money but it is more like a bucket that is half full, and it’s a small bucket.”
While VicRoads confirmed it was in negotiations with property owners on the Victorian side of the Murray River they were tight lipped about any offer for compensation.
“VicRoads is acquiring a property which is impacted by the bridge proposal and has discussed the impacts of the acquisition with the property owners,” regional director of VicRoads Mal Kersting said.
“The acquisition process is in its early phase and there will be opportunity for further discussion and negotiation before agreement between the parties can be reached.
“This remains a confidential matter between the property owners and VicRoads.”
For more on this story, pick up Wednesday’s paper (October 14, 2015).
