Local School children invited to 'Name the Crane' and be part of the New Dubbo Bridge project
Primary school students in the Dubbo region are being invited to ‘Name the Crane’ used to help build the New Dubbo Bridge for the chance to win a prize as well as having their chosen name displayed for the whole community to see.
The 60-metre tall tower crane is being used for piling work as part of construction of the $220.2 million project to provide a new crossing over the flood plains and the Macquarie River north of the CBD.
Transport for NSW Regional Director West Alistair Lunn said the Name the Crane and Colouring-in Competition was a creative way to get local school kids involved in the legacy project for the town.
“Once built, the New Dubbo Bridge will alleviate traffic congestion and enhance access across the Macquarie River during flood events – particularly important for emergency services and to ensure continued freight access,” Mr Lunn said.
“With up to 1,200 people working on the project throughout its construction, the bridge is also something that many in the community can proudly declare they were part of.
“We love the idea of having local children involved too, even if it’s in a small way, and this naming and colouring-in competition allows them to be creative and have some fun while being part of this exciting project.
“The cranes tower over the Dubbo skyline and I’ve overheard kids talking about them.”
Students are invited to colour in a drawing of the crane and suggest a name on the entry form, provided through their school.
The winning name will be judged by a panel made up of employees from Transport for NSW and lead contractors, Abergeldie, along with a local government representative and will be displayed on a banner attached to the tower crane, visible to the entire community.
The student who submits the winning name will receive a $200 book or sporting good voucher for their school, and an invitation to the crane naming ceremony.
There will also be prizes awarded for the colouring in competition.
Nine-year-old Molly Linehan from Macquarie Anglican Grammar School said she loves seeing the cranes towering over Dubbo and is excited to start thinking of some ideas for names with her friends.
“Sometimes we can hear the banging from all the way at our school, we all know that the sound means they are busy building the huge new bridge for Dubbo,” Molly said.
“When I’m older, I’ll be able to drive across the bridge and say that I remember this bridge being built.
“The new bridge will also be good when it floods in Dubbo, as it won’t take as long to get over the river to school.”
A selection of students’ entries will be on display at the New Dubbo Bridge site office in Darling Street.
Entries close at 5pm on Thursday 31 August.
More information on the Name the Crane competition, including entry forms, can be downloaded from Newell Highway Upgrade - New Dubbo Bridge project | Transport for NSW
The New Dubbo Bridge is a joint Australian Government and NSW Government project which will improve traffic efficiency, reduce congestion for locals, visitors and the freight industry, and improve access across the Macquarie River floodplain during extreme weather events.
More information on the project can be viewed at Newell Highway Upgrade - New Dubbo Bridge project | Transport for NSW