The notice of motion from Cr Tom Weyrich proposed for the council to write to the NSW and Victorian premiers and the prime minister to request a third river crossing, citing traffic congestion issues.
After decades of lobbying, the $323.7 million project to build a second crossing between the twin towns is under way and expected to be completed in mid-2022.
“Some people will see this as a publicity stunt, some people will see it as ridiculous, but I am deadly serious,” Cr Weyrich said.
“My belief is the new bridge will only take the heavy vehicles, not cars, out of the equation. I’m also having a shot at where the new bridge is located because I was never in favour of it.
“It’s taken 60 years to get this bridge built, I think we should get going now because if the place keeps expanding the way it is we’re going to be in some serious trouble in the not-too-distant future.
“History will dictate whether I’m right or wrong.”
Cr Alan Mathers said it was hard to argue for a third bridge when the second one wasn’t finished.
“From a credibility point of view there is a time and a place and it’s probably in the life of the next council,” he said.
“Until the new bridge is open, I think we look a bit foolish by pre-empting something.”
Cr Neil Gorey said the council needed to be more progressive in the coming years to meet the needs of a growing population.
“I see the problems being beyond the bridge so what are we going to do to improve congestion within both Echuca and Moama?”
The motion lost with Crs Weyrich and Tony Aquino voting in favour.
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