Binnu grain roads a tribute to community: Minister

30/6/00
Transport Minister Murray Criddle today officially opened the newly upgraded Binnu East and Binnu West roads in the Mid-West describing the project as a showpiece of community endeavour.
"This project literally saw people in the area roll up their sleeves, bring their own trucks and shovels along, and with a minimum of fuss help the Shire of Northampton create a vital piece of infrastructure for their district," Mr Criddle said.
"This project services one of the largest off-rail grain receival points in Western Australia and the upgrade has been enthusiastically embraced by farmers who have waited a long time to get decent roads."
Mr Criddle said the Binnu West and Binnu East Roads, situated about 90km north of Geraldton, not only serviced a major grain hub but also provided a safe all-weather option for people living and working in the region.
"These two roads play an integral role in the region and it's a credit to the Shire of Northampton and the community generally that we have been able to complete these roads within tight funding limits," he said.
The Minister said the need to upgrade these two important routes was recognised in early 1997 and a working group was formed to progress the projects with representatives from the Shire of Northampton and Main Roads.
"The success of this project was reliant on the significant partnering between the local farming community, the Binnu Road Committee, the Shire of Northampton and Main Roads," he said.
"These road upgrades were designed and constructed by the Shire of Northampton to agreed Main Roads' standards at a cost of around $2 million, with those funds made available under the State Government's TransformWA program.
"The Shire of Northampton's construction workforce was strongly supported by local contractors, farm owners and employees, with around 20 volunteers providing trucks, labour, gravel and water to assist with construction activities and achieving estimated project savings of more than $200,000.
"Significant safety issues have also been addressed through enhanced road layouts and limited visibility issues related to the low-grade unsealed road," Mr Criddle said.
The upgrades of Binnu East and West roads would also complement the newly completed Port Gregory to Kalbarri Road by providing safe and efficient alternative transport options to North West Coastal Highway.
The Minister said the impending upgrade of unsealed and narrow seal sections on the Binnu to Tennidewa route would also assist in the ongoing development of strategic transport links for grain cartage, while providing alternative inland routes for tourism and local traffic.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333