Main Roads East Perth building named Don Aitken Centre

25/5/93

Main Roads headquarters in East Perth has been named the Don Aitken Centre after one of its longest serving engineers and commissioners.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said the name honoured Mr Aitken's 41 year career in Main Roads engineering, which included 22 years as Commissioner of Main Roads.

Mr Aitken retired in 1987.

"During his career, Mr Aitken saw many changes take place, from the construction of Perth's first set of traffic lights at the West Perth subway in 1953 to the development of the Mitchell and Kwinana freeway system," Mr Charlton said.

"He was appointed Commissioner at the age of 40 - the youngest ever Main Roads Commissioner.

"Mr Aitken also put Main Roads on the international map through his leadership as the first Australian president of the Road Engineering Association of Asia and Australasia."

During his tenure, Mr Aitken presided over the creation of much of the State's existing road network, including:

·         sealing of Western Australia's section of the Eyre Highway in 1969;

·         sealing of North-West coastal highway between Carnarvon and Port Hedland in 1974;

·         completion of the black top on Great Northern Highway from Port Hedland to Broome in 1981; and

·         completion of the black top between Fitzroy Crossing and Halls Creek which was the last link in providing a sealed highway around Australia.

Mr Charlton today unveiled a plaque commemorating the naming of the building at a small ceremony attended by Mr Aitken, his wife Margaret and members of their family.

Media contact: Dean Roberts 321 7333/222 9595, ah pager 480 9999 (94065)