Major tourist road to be built next month between Port Gregory and Kalbarri

3/12/99

Transport Minister Murray Criddle announced today that work would begin next month to build a major tourism road between Port Gregory and Kalbarri.
Mr Criddle said Highway Construction Pty. Ltd. had won a $6.74 million Main Roads WA contract to construct and seal the remaining 29km section of the of what was little more than a coastal track.
"When this road is completed in April next year we will have a total of 57km of new high grade sealed road between the two centres which I'm sure will be a magnet for tourists and a boon for local communities," Mr Criddle said.
"This project means tourists and other road users bound for Kalbarri will have a safe, high quality alternative route from Northampton via Port Gregory and not be compelled to always use the busy North West Coastal Highway.
"One of the key reasons we are building this link is because of the popularity of Kalbarri as a tourist destination, but it will also open up great opportunities for the Port Gregory and Hutt Lagoon area as well."
"The diversity of scenic views along this new coastal connection have never been opened up for general tourism and
I'm sure it won't take long for people to appreciate the beauty of the area."
"The vision of a sealed coastal route through this region will soon be a reality and I'm sure we'll see thousands of additional holiday makers filtering into this region.
"Port Gregory, in particular, will be a great beneficiary of this road and the community now has a unique opportunity to further promote its tourism potential."
Mr Criddle said the new, shorter route would also be welcomed by freight operators as well as local residents and the farming and fishing industries.
Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333.