Libs Announce Victoria Bridge Community Taskforce Membership

Liberal Candidate for Penrith Stuart Ayres was today joined by NSW Opposition Leader and Shadow Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell to announce the members of the Victoria Bridge Community Taskforce, which will develop a practical plan to improve the bridge’s safety, whilst maintaining its heritage value.

“The members of the Victoria Bridge Community Taskforce bring a range of skills and perspectives which will ensure the needs of the local community are at the forefront of our plan to fix Victoria Bridge,” Mr Ayres said.

“I will ask the taskforce members to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists and motorists who use Victoria Bridge are paramount when we work together in developing a solution to this dangerous section of road.”

The community members of the Victoria Bridge Community Taskforce are:

• Jim Cuthill; Emu Plains cyclist and walker, professional background in engineering
• Estelle Davis; Leonay resident and parent of children using the bridge
• Joe Grassi; Vice President Penrith Valley Chamber of Commerce and solicitor
• Dal Hartmann; Emu Plains resident and bridge user
• Andrew Wheeler; Emu Plains operator of consulting engineering company with considerable experience in bridge structures

Mr O’Farrell said Stuart Ayres’ Victoria Bridge Community Taskforce has his full support.

“Stuart brought me to see the dangers of Victoria Bridge in April this year and told me of his plan to form a taskforce to deliver a solution which balances the need for safety upgrades with the need to protect the bridge’s heritage value,” Mr O’Farrell said.

“Stuart’s approach will ensure a plan which reflects local concerns is developed.

“After years of inaction from the State Labor Government I’m confident Stuart’s Victoria Bridge Community Taskforce will come up with a practical plan to improve the bridge’s safety,” Mr O’Farrell said.

Mr Ayres said the community members of the taskforce will consult various experts as they work together to develop a comprehensive plan to fix Victoria Bridge.

“The Victoria Bridge Community Taskforce will go to each major political party with our plans and seek a commitment to deliver,” Mr Ayres said.

“I’m pleased Mr O’Farrell has given the taskforce his full backing and I now call on the Keneally Labor Government to get on board and deliver the urgent safety upgrades Victoria Bridge desperately needs.”