The state government promised $50 million to build this second bridge to help with the congestion that we experience in peak morning and evening times. 

The initial concept plans were presented to council in April 2012 and in July 2012 council formally resolved to actively lobby the state and Commonwealth governments to fund the duplication of the bridge. 

The existing bridge was officially opened on 26 September 1969 when our population was 18,000. 

The bridge was designed for peak capacity of 1200 vehicles per hour per lane and we are regularly hitting 1100 vehicles per hour in peak times. 

Our population has increased by 130 per cent and there are over 20,000 vehicles a day utilising the bridge. 

After the new council was elected, council further resolved, in October 2012, to continue the lobbying efforts.

To further our case, we prepared an economic analysis in respect of the benefits of duplication of the bridge. 

This report showed that a duplication of the bridge had an economic value to our community of $192 million over a 30 year timeframe.

When Mike Baird was recently in Dubbo, not only did he make the commitment to the $50 million for this bridge but he also committed to completing the bridge in this term of government. 

In terms of lobbying efforts, I am over the moon with the short turnaround between the start of the lobbying and the announcement of the commitment. 

From the formal council resolution to the announcement was only two years and eight months.

On the back of this fantastic announcement, I am today announcing one additional component that wasn’t previously discussed. 

We are always keen to provide more facilities and services in our community to make sure we can match what is available in Sydney. 

In Sydney it is commonplace to build a new road and then put a toll on it. 

I am of the belief that Dubbo is a big enough city to withstand a toll so I am today announcing that the new bridge will include a toll - which will also be retrofitted to the existing LH Ford Bridge so the charge will occur in both directions. 

The toll will be fully compatible with the e-tag system and start at $5 initially and only charged for the first two years of operation. 

At 20,000 vehicles per day this will generate $73 million over two years with the additional money to be put into consolidated revenue for future infrastructure projects. This is an exciting day for Dubbo and it shows we really are a modern progressive city. 

Let me know what you think of the idea of a toll on the bridge and what you think of the idea of making major announcements on the 1st of April.

Councillor Mathew Dickerson

Mayor of the City of Dubbo