THEY say property is all about location, and it seems the Swan Hill replacement bridge is no exception — but it may come at a cost in excess of $300,000 to the ratepayer.
The bridge battle is now into its fourth decade of debate, but following 14 technical reports and millions of dollars of investment from the State Government, Swan Hill Rural City Council has decided further investment is necessary.
Legal advice sought by council — at a cost of $10,000 — was presented at Tuesday’s meeting in Piangil.
The advice looked into the possibility of achieving an alternative bridge location to the 9a option.
It outlined there was “nothing to stop council investigating option 4b further”, but that it was “likely to be futile without support from the other relevant agencies” — namely VicRoads, Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) and Wakool Shire Council.
It estimated a potential cost of $340,000.
For more on this story, pick up a copy of Friday’s Guardian (February 20).
