Published on Thursday, 10 October 2024 at 5:00:00 PM

Council last night approved a total of $540,000 for works on Kelly Road, Fowler Street and Hamilton Street to improve access to Irishtown, and undertake preliminary works to repair the Irishtown Road Bridge.

Shire President Vivienne MacCarthy said Council approved the funds in a bid to fast track the response following the recent fire which cut the principal access to Irishtown.

“While the closure of the bridge was necessary due to the damage, it has nonetheless caused a great deal of inconvenience to the residents and businesses in Irishtown,” President MacCarthy said.

Council has sufficient working capital to cover the works in the short term, with preliminary advice from Council’s insurers confirming the bridge repairs and associated works detailed above would be reimbursed.

The repair of the bridge is estimated to take at least 5 months, and therefore more permanent improvements to the alternative access roads is essential.

“Additionally, local Police have confirmed the source of the fire is not suspicious,” President MacCarthy said. “It is likely the bridge damaged occurred as a result of a campfire that was insufficiently extinguished, and due to the weather conditions at the time, wind caused it to spread and reignite.”

Council acknowledges the inconvenience the recent closure of the bridge has caused, and thanks all road users, local residents and businesses for their understanding during the reconstruction phase.

ENDS.

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