Cabinet decision paves the way for Geraldton's Southern Transport Corridor

19/8/00
Transport Minister Murray Criddle announced today that the Government was now in a position to push forward with the
$87 million Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor.
The big project will remove the railway line from the city's foreshore and create a new rail and road freight corridor through the outskirts of the city to the Port of Geraldton.
Mr Criddle said the Government had now endorsed changes to the vesting of land reserves which resolved issues surrounding the Separation Point Caravan Park site which would be required for the project.
"The decision is an excellent result for both the project and the community as it has paved the way for State and local government to work together to progress the project while minimising the impact on the local community," he said.
"The changes to the vesting of the land reserves will now allow the development of an alternative caravan park to be progressed.
"Negotiations have commenced with the proprietors of the Separation Point Caravan Park for the voluntary acquisition of the leasehold interest in the property, and discussions will be held with the City of Geraldton to best manage the transition to a new caravan park.
"Residents of the Separation Point Caravan Park will be kept informed throughout the project. However, until the negotiations with the proprietors are concluded discussions cannot be held with tenants regarding their relocation.
"To minimise the impact on the caravan park tenants, the Separation Point Caravan Park will be kept open until at least October 2001 and the timing for relocation will be developed in consultation with the City of Geraldton.
"The site that has been identified for the new caravan park is located around 550 metres east of the Separation Point Caravan Park."
The Southern Transport Corridor is an important feature and integral part of the Geraldton Regional Plan, which provides a guiding framework for the future management, protection and co-ordination of regional planning within the Geraldton region.
The project involves the construction of:

• a single rail alignment from Narngulu Industrial Area to the Geraldton Port;

• a new east-west link road between the Geraldton Airport and Geraldton Port; and -

• associated interchanges and connections to the local road system.

"The construction of the Southern Transport Corridor will have many benefits for the local community and industry within both Geraldton and the Mid-West region," Mr Criddle said.
"It will provide a unique opportunity for the City of Geraldton to redefine its future development and encourage growth of associated businesses, tourism, economic and employment opportunities in the region.
"The corridor will provide an alternative route for freight vehicles, which will improve access and efficiency for the transport industry and improve safety for all road users by reducing conflict between freight and passenger vehicles.
"The removal of the railway will allow the city's foreshore and adjacent real estate to be redefined and developed to enhance the amenity of the marine and central business district area."
A display outlining details and drawings of the Geraldton Southern Transport Corridor was unveiled in Geraldton today by
Mr Criddle. It will be used to keep Geraldton residents informed during all phases of the project.
Mr Criddle said environmental clearances, planning approvals and land acquisitions needed to be completed with construction scheduled to begin next year.
He said it was important that the community had a full understanding of the big project and he urged that they study display stands which would include an aerial map showing the alignment of the transport corridor and its connection with the local road network.
The display will be exhibited at venues within the City of Geraldton initially, and will then move through the shires of Greenough, Mullewa, Chapman Valley and Northampton.
The display will be held at the following venues and times:

• Northgate Shopping Centre August 21 - 26
• Harris Scarfe Shopping Centre August 28 - September 2
• City of Geraldton Council Office September 4 - 8
• City of Geraldton Regional Library September 11 - 17
• Shire of Greenough Council Office September 18 - 29
• Shire of Mullewa Council Office October 3 - 13
• Shire of Chapman Valley Council Office October 16 - 27
• Shire of Northampton Council Office October 30 - November 10
• Main Roads Geraldton (Eastward Road) November 13 onwards.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham (08) 9321 7333