Thursday, 18 August 2022

Thurra River bridge

Mr BOURMAN (Eastern Victoria) (12:32): My question is to the minister representing the minister for energy, environment and climate action or change or whatever, Minister D’Ambrosio. On 31 December 2019 the Thurra bridge located inside a national park in East Gippsland burnt down as part of the fires. Parks Victoria on their website stated that the scale and complexity of the bridge rebuild was taking longer than expected. Its planned completion at this stage will not be until summer 2023–24. In the three years since the Thurra bridge was destroyed by the Black Summer fires, the East Gippsland council have successfully prioritised the repair and replacement of more than 13 bridges throughout their region. The Thurra camping ground remains closed to tourists due to the bridge being down and will remain that way until the bridge is rebuilt. The camping ground is a popular tourist destination that is going to waste. Without a functional vehicular bridge, the township is missing out on the economic stimulus. I understand the issue has been raised in the other house, yet here we are three years after the bridge was burnt down and there is still no bridge. My question is: will the minister meet with me to discuss an accelerated action plan to have the bridge rebuilt?

Mr LEANE (Eastern Metropolitan—Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Veterans) (12:33): Thank you, Mr Bourman, for the question, which was directed to Lily D’Ambrosio, the minister for environment. I understand your request to speak to her around this issue, so I will make sure that question is passed on to her. I can only reiterate today that she is the person to speak to. I have not been secretly sworn in to any other portfolio, which is sort of a weird custom and practice of coalition governments.