THE controversial bridge that spans the Murray River at Swan Hill was again a crucial issue discussed at Tuesday night’s candidates forum.
Fifteen candidates from three contested wards spoke about the issues they wanted to tackle if elected to council.
An issue that was repeatedly raised by almost all of the candidates was the continuously unfulfilled prospect of a new bridge in town.
Central Ward candidate Chris Lahy said the bridge was something the growing town of Swan Hill desperately needed.
“I’ve crossed that bridge every day of my life so I know the importance of getting it built,” Mr Lahy said.
Fellow Central Ward candidate Neil Mesley echoed Mr Lahy’s statement by saying too many people have wondered if they’ll see a new bridge in their lifetime.
“Nothing has been decided on,” Mr Mesley said.
“My main object is to push and push until we at least get a site assigned for the new bridge.
“Constantly repairing the old bridge due to overuse is becoming a waste of money.”
Central Ward hopeful Bill Moar remembered being a kid and having the then-council discuss options for the new bridge.
“There’s got to be a realisation that the main stakeholders are on this side of the bridge, we’ve got to convince the other side [NSW Government] that they will get something out of it too,” Mr Moar said.
In April this year, the Murray Downs Advancement Group expressed opposition to the controversial 9A option that would have the new bridge slightly upstream of the current bridge and cut through Riverside Park.
Last month, Swan Hill Rural City Council objected the Murray River Council’s proposed amendment to the local environment plan that would progress the implementation of that option. Currently, Swan Hill council endorses option 4B, which suggests a high “flyover” bridge further downstream of the current bridge.
To read more on this story, grab a copy of today’s Guardian (7th October).
