Labor’s claim that the new Tyers is “flood resilient” has been debunked once and for all after it closed for a second time since opening in December 2023.
After only moderate rainfall the Latrobe River burst its banks and – in a surprise to absolutely no-one – the much-maligned causeway on Tyers Road flooded and the bridge shut.
The Nationals’ Member for Morwell, Martin Cameron, said the “avoidable” flooding of the causeway meant completion of rectification works on the bridge kerbside would now be delayed at least a further two weeks.
“Minister for Roads, Melissa Horne, is acutely aware that Labor completely bungled the rebuild of the Tyers bridge by not raising the causeway because it was too expensive,” Mr Cameron said.
“I’m anticipating the Minister will respond to complaints about the bridge being shut again by saying it’s “flood resilient”, but that is an absolute furphy.
“Residents have been telling the state government for decades that a new bridge would be useless without a raised causeway because it wouldn’t constantly flood.
“And here we are again, with a bridge we can’t use for the second time in six months.
“The reality is that corners were cut on this project because Labor wasn’t willing to stump up the funds.
“Contractors are just as frustrated as residents – they’re fed up with being blamed for the constant issues and having to apply bandaid after bandaid because they haven’t been given the scope to do the job properly.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage roads, and Victorians are paying the price.”
