Further comment to be sought on northern city bypass road

23/2/94

A series of public hearings will be held next month to allow further comment on proposals for a northern city bypass road.

Planning Minister Richard Lewis said today the hearings would play an important role in canvassing public opinion on the bypass options.

Mr Lewis said the hearings, which were expected to commence towards the end of March, would be conducted by a special sub-committee of the State Planning Commission.

He said all of the several hundred people who made written submissions on the Burswood Bridge and Road Study would be invited to present their views, in person, before the committee.

The study warns that unless a bypass is built Perth will become choked with traffic in the future.

"The Government has always been committed to encouraging public debate on the bypass options and these hearings will play an important part in that process," the Minister said.

"The hearings, plus the written submissions, will help the Government in making a final decision on which direction it should take on the proposals.

"All views will be considered before a final decision is made."

Mr Lewis said a number of briefings on the bypass options had been held for business, industry, professional and community groups interested by the plans.

The Burswood Bridge and Road Study, which was released for public comment last year, recommends the construction of an east-west road link north of the city and the building of a third river crossing east of Perth.

The two bypass options included a tunnel under Northbridge or an above-ground road - both connecting Great Eastern Highway and Orrong Road in Rivervale to the Mitchell Freeway in Leederville.

Media contact:  Paul Plowman 222 9595 : 221 1377