Regional Development Minister Terry Redman, Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone, Dawesville MLA Kim Hames and Sue Fyfe, of the Peel Development Commission.
Camera IconRegional Development Minister Terry Redman, Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone, Dawesville MLA Kim Hames and Sue Fyfe, of the Peel Development Commission. Credit: Supplied/Jon Hewson d438334

Bridging the gap

Rachel FennerMandurah Coastal Times

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman was in Mandurah on Friday to announce funding had been secured for the Old Mandurah Bridge redevelopment project.

The State Government has allocated $40 million through the Department of Transport and the City of Mandurah has contributed $3 million. The final $8.8 million will come from the Royalties for Regions program.

"This bridge has played a significant role in Mandurah's history, not only as a traffic bridge but for fishing, crabbing and prawning, especially when the tide changes," Mr Nalder said.

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About 24,000 vehicles travel daily over the two-lane bridge, which links Mandurah city and the commercial centre on the east side of the estuary to residential and coastal areas on the west.

"Royalties for Regions investment has come from the Growing our South fund and will enable the replacement bridge to have additional features such as a higher clearance for bigger boats to pass under and recreational facilities such as fishing platforms," he said.

In March this year, the Government announced Georgiou Group, Lend Lease Engineering and the OHL/York Joint Venture had been shortlisted to provide concept designs for the new bridge. They have until June 23 to submit an application to the Government.

A contract will be awarded in September/October, with construction due to start later.

Mandurah Mayor Marina Vergone said the additional funds from the Royalties for Regions program would achieve community outcomes that the City is looking for.

Mandurah MLA David Templeman welcomed the Royalties for Regions contribution of more than $8 million.

"I believe that if this money goes towards enhancing the bridge's design, then that will be a good thing," he said.

"We must remember that this is a once in a 100 year opportunity.

"My view has always been the new bridge must have a wow factor.

"The pedestrian elements on the northern side of the bridge is critically important as is any proposal to include commercial opportunities on the western side of the bridge."

Mr Templeman also questioned if the old bridge would be completely removed.

"I would not support that because I believe there is an opportunity to investigate at least a portion of the old bridge being kept for tourism heritage and recreational possibilities," he said.

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