The Nationals Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, has thrown his support behind the Traralgon Tyers United Football Netball Club as it deals with the financial fall-out associated with the closure of Tyers Road and the old Latrobe River Bridge.
The Bombers have written to the Minister for Regional Development seeking compensation, with attendance at home games for the season down approximately 150 people or the equivalent of $2,500 per game in gate, canteen and bar takings.
Club membership, Auskick registrations and weekly dinner numbers are also down, with the majority citing the closure of the road and bridge, and the associated increase in travel costs, as a deal breaker.
“In 2015, the Premier announced a new bridge for the town of Tyers as a matter of urgency. He said it was ‘long overdue’ and promised it would be ‘one of his first tasks,’” Mr Cameron said.
“Now, eight years later, not only are the people of Tyers still waiting for a new bridge, but the old bridge that gives them access into town has been closed.
“When the bridge is closed, public access to the town is cut off. Residents have to travel through Glengarry for work and to get kids to school, emergency services are severely hampered, and now a grassroots sports club – the lifeblood of the town – is taking a huge financial hit because of the increased travel costs associated with the bridge closure.
“Last month I asked the Andrews Government to fast-track rebuild of the bridge at Tyers Road as a matter of urgency, but I have been advised this won’t be completed until the end of the year, which is little comfort for the Bombers who estimate they will lose tens of thousands of dollars this season alone.
TTUFNC Secretary, Colin Scammell, said the road and bridge closure was “causing significant financial distress” for the club.
“We believe we will be approximately $40,000 worse off this season because of the bridge delays on Tyers Road and we are seeking compensation from the State Government for that,” he said.
Mr Cameron said the onus was on the Andrews Government to ensure TTUFNC is financially supported during the road closure and again called for fast-tracked construction of the new bridge.
“If the Andrews Government can remove 67 level crossings in Melbourne in less than 4 years, surely it can extend the same courtesy to the people of Tyers in regional Victoria who are simply asking for the swift restoration of a single bridge which was promised as a matter of urgency eight years ago.”
