At last night’s Council meeting, Hilltops Council received an update on the progress of the Garibaldi Gully Bridge project and a recommendation to apply for grant funding from any suitable programs for the replacement works.
The current Garibaldi Gully Bridge on Whiteman Avenue/Murringo Road was constructed in 1935. The bridge currently is too narrow to support constant two-way traffic flow and has give-way control on the west bound lane. This makes it quite a dangerous bridge.
The expected life of bridges, according to Council, is approximately 80 years. In 2018, a Level 3 Bridge Assessment was completed. The recommendations of the assessment were to replace the bridge to cater to modern design loads based on the age and condition of the existing bridge.
Council previously resolved to allocate $150,000 to undertake the design and investigation phase of the Garibaldi Bridge Replacement Project. In accordance with Council’s procurement requirements, a tender document was prepared and released to the market seeking suitably qualified consultants to undertake the necessary investigations, concept development, detailed design and associated documentation for the proposed bridge replacement.
At the close of the tender period, Council received only one conforming tender submission. Following the assessment of the submission, it was determined that the tendered amount substantially exceeded the available budget allocation.
The submitted price was reportedly more than three times the approved budget of $150,000, making it financially unviable for Council to proceed with the design phase.
Given the tender outcome, Council considered it appropriate to review the project delivery methodology. Rather than undertaking a separate design contract, it is proposed that the Garibaldi Bridge Replacement Project be delivered using a Design and Construct model. This procurement approach would transfer the responsibility for detailed design and construction to a single contractor, providing greater certainty regarding project costs, constructability and delivery outcomes.
The report indicates that the “design and construct approach” would also improve Council’s ability to seek external funding for the complete project rather than funding only the design component. By pursuing a fully funded project outcome, Council can maximise the value of available grant opportunities and reduce the financial burden on its own resources.
To facilitate delivery of the project, it is proposed that Council apply for funding through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program (SLRIP), or any similar grant program that may become available. These programs are intended to improve the safety, resilience and functionality of road infrastructure and are considered well aligned with the objectives of the Garibaldi Bridge Replacement Project.
The funding application would include both the bridge replacement works and the proposed detour route required during construction. Inclusion of the detour works within the funding application will ensure that all project related costs are identified and considered as part of the overall project budget, reducing the risk of future funding shortfalls.
Should grant funding be secured, Council would be required to provide a co-contribution of 20% of the total project cost. It is proposed that this co-contribution be sourced from existing road infrastructure funding programs, including the Regional Roads Block Grant, Roads to Recovery funding, or a combination of these funding sources.
As the original design tender significantly exceeded the available budget allocation, it is not proposed to proceed with the tender. Consequently, the $150,000 previously allocated to the design and investigation phase of the Garibaldi Bridge Replacement Project is no longer required for its original purpose.
Given the reported pressures on Council’s road maintenance budget, it is proposed that the $150,000 allocation be used to offset overspend incurred in the delivery of Young regional roads operations and maintenance works. This reallocation, according to Council, will assist in maintaining the financial sustainability of Council’s road program while alternative funding opportunities for the bridge replacement project are pursued.
A further report will be provided to Council once preliminary cost investigations are completed and grant funding options are identified.
Jack Murray
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