Go ahead for bridges

CARDINIA Shire Council will spend more than $1 million to replace three timber bridges over the next 12 months.
On Monday night councillors accepted a tender for the replacement of the timber bridge at 5 Drain Road, Bayles, for $642,745.
The reconstruction of the bridge was highlighted as a necessary works operation by the council’s asset management system.
Funding was made available in the capital works program for bridge replacements.
Councillor Brett Owen said despite the council often being chastised about spending money in Central Ward, which included Pakenham and Officer, bridge works like the one being discussed were done annually.
“The council does these kinds of things every year, without a plaque and song and dance and people don’t realise it,” Cr Owen added.
Councillor Stuart Halligan said the majority of timber bridges were in the Port Ward and he fully supported the works. “This particular bridge is in an area subject to inundation and sits fairly low on the road,” he said. “Replacing the timber with concrete will alleviate the problems and I look forward to wooden bridges in the area also being replaced in years to come.”
The council usually spends about $600,000 on timber bridges annually but $500,000 has been carried over from lst year.