Rural Road Upgrades A Council Priority

Published on 01 March 2019

The City of Busselton has successfully applied to the Federal Government, assisted by Member for Forrest Nola Marino, to accelerate receipt of $3.7 million through Roads to Recovery 2019-2024. This will enable work on Yoongarillup Road East, Wonnerup South Road, and the Capel-Tutunup Road to be finished within the next two years.

Mayor Grant Henley applauded the Federal Government for their flexible approach to the allocation of Roads to Recovery funding noting that it had been critical to the City’s targeted rural road renewal program since its commencement in 2015.

“The condition of country roads extending across the municipality remains top priority for City Council,” he said. 

“The City of Busselton has over 70kms of narrow sealed roads which are the legacy of road building programs in the 1960s. While adequate at the time, these narrow roads don’t conform to current standards nor do they meet today’s traffic volumes, tonnage needs or driver expectations.  With the resident population increasing and visitor numbers continuing to grow, widening and upgrading these roads is a priority and we’re thankful for ongoing Federal Government support.”

To date the City has invested $5 million in the program which includes an annual contribution from the Federal Government through Roads to Recovery Funding.

Mrs Marino, who has been a strong advocate for rural road upgrades across the South West, said it was fantastic to see this money being used by the City of Busselton.

 “These allocations under the Roads to Recovery Program are great news for Busselton,” she said.

“The funding provides the City with the ability to invest in upgrading local roads, thereby helping to improve safety and efficiency levels for all users of the network, and economic growth in their communities.

“Through the Roads to Recovery Program, the Government supports councils with the ongoing maintenance of the South West’s local road infrastructure, facilitating greater access and improved safety, economic and social outcomes.”

The City of Busselton has already widened and upgraded Puzey Road, Tom Cullity Road, Miamup Road, and Yelverton Road. Works are currently underway on Yoongarillup Road. Once these roads have been completed the City will focus on upgrading Don Road, Boallia Road, Hairpin Road, Wildberry Road, and Kaloorup Road with view to completion within 2 – 7 years. Other narrow sealed rural roads earmarked for future widening, include North Jindong Road, Gale Road, Chapman Hill Road, Doyle Road, Nuttman Road, Wonnerup East Road, Sugarloaf Road and Downs Road.

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Outcomes and objectives outlined in this statement align with Key Goal Area 5 in the City of Busselton’s Strategic Community Plan (2017): Smart, connective, accessible.