To start work on the bridge duplication, $1 million was announced in yesterday’s 2015/16 State Budget, as well as $600,000 to go towards replacing Nelligen bridge. 

“We will be building a new bridge at Batemans Bay,” Mr Constance said. 

“We are going to start to do the work and consult with the community.” 

Mr Constance also said the government would be “getting on with” building the $1.5 million Muddy Puddles education and therapy centre for children with disabilities and their carers.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Illawarra and South Coast Gareth Ward said $12 million was allocated in Treasurer Gladys Berejiklian’s first Budget to realign the Princes Highway at Termeil Creek.

A further $6 million would be spent to realign the Kings Highway at River Forest Road, on the Clyde Mountain.

Mr Constance said funding was also allocated to realign the Kings Highway between Batemans Bay and Nelligen. 

He said Moruya Airport had a “very strong chance” of receiving funding for a significant upgrade (see story page 3).

“I would be fairly confident that the Eurobodalla will get funded for that.” 

The promised funds to complete the oncology unit at Moruya Hospital was also in the Budget. 

Mr Constance said the 2015/16 Budget was “exciting” for the Eurobodalla. 

“It is an exciting budget for our region and for the much-needed building work which the people of Batemans Bay and Moruya are really keen on,” he said. 

“This type of building work is key.

“In light of Batemans Bay Bridge, to actually now have it in the budget (it is) moving forward. 

“This is how serious this government is about getting on with it.”