Main Roads negotiating funding of Jurien-Greenhead road

23/8/94

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said Main Roads would enter into negotiations with the Dandaragan and Coorow Shire Councils over the funding of a 28-kilometre coastal road from Jurien to Greenhead.

Main Roads was already assisting the two shires develop the alignment and a program for construction of the road.

Mr Charlton said construction would cost $6 million, and because building would begin in 1995-96, the funding arrangements needed to be finalised.

More than $600,000 was allocated under the current State Budget for Main Roads to cover additional costs associated with the project, such as survey and design work.

"We are looking at a six to one State-local government funding ratio to complete the project," Mr Charlton said.

"The road, which I asked Main Roads to give priority, will give local industry far better access to Jurien and will be of particular benefit to secondary school students travelling to Jurien.

"It will also help with the development of the region's resource industries, including fishing, tourism, farming and mining.

"The road will be the first stage of works to create a road linking Lancelin, Cervantes and Jurien, which will eventually create a route from Dongara through Lancelin and on to Perth, reducing the current trip by 100 kilometres."

Mr Charlton said Main Roads and the two local authorities were preparing a joint submission to the Department of Environmental Protection for project clearances.

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333