DIXONS LONG POINT PROJECT IS BACK! $10 MILLION BUDGET COMMITMENT
The campaign for a new crossing at Dixons Long Point is back on track, with the Australian Government revealing funding to reopen the project in the 2024-25 Budget.
The Government has committed $10 million for the planning for a bridge over the Macquarie River at Dixons Long Point, including road approaches.
Independent Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, said his determination to see the crossing constructed is as strong as ever.
“Since the days of the gold rush, communities across the Central West have called for a river crossing at Dixons Long Point,” said Mr Gee.
“In 2022, we came within a whisker of turning the Dixons Long Point crossing dream into a reality, with $27.8 million secure in the kitty, preliminary geotechnical work complete, and the tender process finalised.
“Following the October 2022 budget, the new government put an axe to the project, quietly revealing that all funding to build the bridge would be reclaimed. In other words, it binned years of work, generations of hope, and every last dollar from the Dixons Long Point kitty. It was appalling, disrespectful, and heartbreaking to our communities.
“However, it’s welcome news that the Australian Government is reopening the project with $10 million in the 2024-25 Budget for planning for a bridge over the Macquarie River at Dixons Long Point, including road approaches and funding for property purchases.
“While it’s not a full restoration of the $27.8 million in funding which was outrageously snatched away from the project, it is at least a commitment to get the project back on track.
“There’s still $18 million missing from the original funding ($23 million if you include the Coalition’s $5 election commitment) but it’s a start which will see the project brought back to life.
“This announcement means that we can renew our focus on delivering the Dixons Long Point project.
“I fought for years to get this project moving, and I have never stopped advocating to see it constructed. We have simply come too far and put too much work in to turn back.
“I put pressure on the Prime Minister during Question Time about whether his government would build a river crossing at Dixons Long Point between Orange and Mudgee.
“I’m pleased that the Prime Minister has listened to my urging to get the project moving again.
“A new crossing would open up access between the Central West and Newcastle/Hunter Valley regions, and deliver economic and tourism benefits for current and future generations, including our primary producers. Importantly, this project will also deliver improved safety and access for local residents.
“The Dixons Long Point project has a Benefit Cost Ratio of 2.491. Anything over a one is considered a strong result – so it certainly stacks up,” Mr Gee said.
The current crossing is closed for an average of 52 days each year, and is largely only accessible by 4WDs.
The proposed river crossing, which would have slashed the distance between Orange and Mudgee, and linked the Central West with the Newcastle region, was supported with a $29.8 million grant by the former Coalition Government, plus a $5 million election commitment. $2 million was spent on preliminary planning and geotechnical works.
The project’s delivery schedule will be determined in consultation with the NSW Government.
ENDS
Media contact: Sinead Fogarty – 0417 852 386