Major road works in the Mid-West to go ahead after State Budget

13/5/99
Transport Minister Murray Criddle said today that key road projects in the Mid-West would get under way as a result of funding allocations in this year's State Budget.
The construction program included major works on the Mt Magnet-to-Leinster Road which would help promote development in mining, pastoral and tourism.
"Priority has been given to those projects that will have the greatest impact on the State's economic and investment opportunities, employment, and road safety," Mr Criddle said.
"The Mt Magnet-Agnew-Leinster Road is high on the priority list as it provides access to one of Western Australia's key remote mining regions, and contributes significantly to the State's economy by providing employment and export opportunities.
"During 1999-2000 a total of $19 million will be spent on the Mt Magnet-Sandstone-Leinster Road upgrade, which has a total estimated construction cost of $95 million.
"We have already spent more than $14 million on sections of this vital east-west transport link and the new funding of $19 million includes money for the sealing of a 55km section immediately east of Mt Magnet which will provide improved road access to the new vanadium mine at Windimurra.
"The Mt Magnet-Leinster project will improve access and safety, and reduce overall transport costs for the communities and pastoral and mining industries east of Mt Magnet.
"To complement these works the final seal will also be applied to a 45km section of road constructed east of Sandstone Road in 1998."
Mr Criddle said funding of $1 million had also been allocated to enable the Shire of Northampton to upgrade Binnu West Road, to improve access to one of the State's largest off-rail grain receival facilities.
The works would seal the existing narrow dirt road to better cater for the heavy and light vehicles that accessed the area, addressing safety concerns associated with road width and dust.
"Another $8.6 million has been allocated to construct and seal a 28km road link between Port Gregory and Kalbarri," Mr Criddle said.
"This work will complete the sealed road link and will optimise public access to the resort towns of Kalbarri and Port Gregory, as well as other popular coastal areas and tourists attractions."
Other projects targeted in this year's budget include:

• Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road (more than $1 million for widening between
• Geraldton and Mullewa and $1 million to apply the final seal between Mullwa and Yalgoo); and -
• North West Coastal Highway ($1.75 million to construct five additional passing lanes between Ogilvie and Galena).

"These projects will enhance the overall efficiency of the State's road network and will enable the agricultural, mining and tourism industries of Western Australia to grow and compete in the national and international market," the Minister said.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333