Dhungala is the name of the new Echuca-Moama Bridge, which was opened to traffic on Monday by Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce and Victorian Transport Infrastructure Minister Jacinta Allen.
After more than 140 years with a single Murray River crossing, drivers and pedestrians will now enjoy safer and easier trips between the border towns via a new river crossing connecting the Murray Valley Hwy in Echuca, Victoria, with the Cobb Hwy in Moama, NSW.
The new Murray River crossing will be known as Dhungala Bridge and the new Campaspe River crossing will be called Yakoa Bridge — with Dhungala and Yakoa the respective names in Yorta Yorta language for the Murray and Campaspe rivers.
Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, Moama Local Aboriginal Land Council and Cummeragunja Local Aboriginal Land Council collaborated to name the Dhungala Bridge with Yorta Yorta Nation endorsing the name for the new Campaspe River crossing.
Mr Joyce, Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister, said the completion of the project was another example of the Coalition government delivering for regional Australia.
“Projects like this will drive our economy into the future by supporting the industries that produce and sell the products that make our nation wealthier and stronger,” Mr Joyce said.
Ms Allan said the Echuca-Moama Bridge Project would transform travel between the border towns.
“You only had to see the excitement of the packed crowd who walked across the new river crossing at Sunday’s special community event to understand this is a landmark project that’s going to dramatically improve everyday travel in this iconic region,” Ms Allan said.
“It’s expected 10,000 vehicles will use the new river crossing every day, reducing traffic on the existing Murray River bridge by about 40 per cent — a reduction that will considerably ease peak-hour congestion for people travelling between Echuca and Moama.
“With the combined population of Echuca-Moama expected to grow by around 20 per cent by 2031, this second river crossing will cater for the immense growth across both towns, keeping them moving for decades to come.”
The story behind the new Murray River bridge’s name is told in the stunning Dreamtime-themed artwork, Dhungala Dreaming, created by Yorta Yorta elder Aunty Judy Atkinson, which was recently unveiled in Victoria Park, Echuca.
“These are great examples of the spirit of collaboration that has existed between the project and the Traditional Owners as we’ve worked hand in hand to ensure Echuca-Moama’s rich cultural heritage is respected and preserved,” Ms Allan said.