The first was a more than $1 million project which delivered a new bridge to replace the existing floodway over the Loddon River – supported by over $892,000 from the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and more than $146,000 from Mount Alexander Shire Council.

The original timber bridge on Vaughan-Tarilta road was built in 1868 and has been closed for at least 10 years due to safety concerns, causing long detours and limited access for four-wheel-drives on the floodway on the Tarilta side.

A new concrete low-level structure will now be capable of providing all weather access (excluding high flow and flood events) to all vehicles, including four-wheel drives and heavy vehicles as well as access for pedestrians and cyclists.

The structure also provides a new entrance to the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.

The second project delivered gender-neutral change room facilities at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve.

The $579,000 project was supported by more than $260,000 from the Australian Government under the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and over $319,000 from Mount Alexander Shire Council.

The modular built change rooms are the first dedicated change rooms for netball at the reserve and are located near the new netball court.

They include change room areas for both home and away teams, unisex toilets, ambulant toilets, showers, hand basins with mirrors and a Disability Discrimination Act compliant toilet and shower.


Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development & Local Government, Kristy McBain MP:

“It’s fantastic to see work complete on the Mount Alexander bridge and the Campbells Creek recreation change rooms. From enhancing local transport routes to upgrading much-needed community infrastructure, the Albanese Government is boosting the liveability of our regional communities.

“These projects are just two of many in which we’re partnering with the Mount Alexander Shire Council, as part of over $6 million in LRCI funding from the Australian Government.”


Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters:

“The Albanese Labor Government has delivered two more great Mount Alexander Shire Council projects for our electorate thanks to funding from the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.

“The low-level crossing connects residents of Vaughan on each side of the Loddon River – a community that have been divided for over a decade. Some residents will no longer have to drive through the MacDonald’s farm to access their homes.

“I also want to acknowledge the tireless advocacy of the Campbells Creek Football Netball Club, who have secured funding for their netball change rooms.

“It was wonderful to see our great community come together to advocate for these projects which will deliver community benefits for years to come.”


Quotes attributable to Mayor of Mount Alexander Shire, Cr Rosie Annear:

“Both projects were incredibly important to community members, and will result a range of benefits for residents and visitors to the shire.

“The existing facilities at Campbells Creek Recreation Reserve didn’t cater for everyone in our community, and through this funding we’ve been able to change that.

“We’ve now got gender neutral changerooms at the reserve, along with an accessible toilet and shower.

“Both of these things will remove some of the barriers that people face when looking to participate in local sport – and that’s a fantastic result.

“Over in Vaughan, residents have been advocating to council for an improved bridge which is safer, and suitable for pedestrians, emergency vehicles and all vehicles.

“Through the LRCI Program, we’ve been able to deliver that much-need project.

“We’re incredibly happy and grateful to the Australian Government for their support in helping us get these priority projects completed for our community.”