The apparent stalemate with the proposed new Yarrawonga Mulwala bridge crossing is to be pursued on a Federal Government level by Federal Member for Farrer Sussan Ley.
Ms Ley, also the Federal Deputy Opposition Leader, discussed the lack of progress on a new bridge crossing with Green Route Committee Chairman John Lawless last Wednesday in Mulwala.
The talks followed a letter, dated June 20, by an acting assistant secretary on behalf of the Federal Government Minister for Infrastructure Catherine King in which an invitation to visit Yarrawonga Mulwala to discuss the situation was declined.
The letter also suggested the Green Route Committee take the matter up with the NSW State Government.
“Sam Birrell (Federal Member for Nicholls based in Shepparton) and I will make an appointment to see Catherine King, so an in-depth conversation can take place,” long-time supporter of the green route, Ms Ley told the Yarrawonga Chronicle. “Catherine has an understanding of regional Victoria.
“But we may well need updated traffic counts of vehicles using the existing bridge, along with projected usage.
“But we need the three governments back on board regarding the new bridge.”
Ms Ley had another visit around Yarrawonga and Mulwala to be up to date with the continuous, substantial development taking place in both towns.
Mr Lawless appreciated the chat with Ms Ley. “It was a good chat,” he said.
“She said she will take the matter back to Canberra to see if they can get the bridge priority lifted.”
Mr Lawless said the group believes that with the expanding Sovereign Guided Missile program at Thales Mulwala then there will be a strategic need for the federal government to get involved because the defence materials will have to be transported from Thales Mulwala to Thales Benalla and Thales Bendigo.
But it appears the 30-year ongoing fight for an obviously needed new Yarrawonga Mulwala bridge crossing over Lake Mulwala alongside the railway line (green route) must keep being driven by locals with assistance of local MPs.
Ms Ley also visited the Mulwala Pioneer Museum and was greatly impressed. “It’s a well-kept secret,” she said. “It’s fantastic – so much there.”
Ms Ley also visited Mulwala Water Ski Club and was also greatly impressed with developments, as advised in last week’s edition of the Yarrawonga Chronicle.