N.Bypass to be officially named the Graham Farmer Freeway

6/10/97

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today announced that the city's northern bypass would be officially named the Graham Farmer Freeway in honour of one of the State's greatest and best-known sporting identities.

"Graham 'Polly' Farmer symbolises Western Australian sporting greatness and it is appropriate that the State for which he has done so much should perpetuate his name," Mr Charlton said.

"He already has a place in WA sporting folklore and it is fitting that a showpiece of the city's transport network should bear his name.

"The northern traffic bypass system links West Perth and East Perth which are, coincidentally, the two districts which Graham Farmer represented with distinction on the football arena."

Mr Charlton said the Graham Farmer Freeway would provide motorists with a state-of-the-art traffic conduit to bypass crowded city streets and allow the Perth Central Business District to be redeveloped into a more orderly and more people-friendly environment.

"The Graham Farmer Freeway will play a major role in re-defining the way we use the city centre and give us a unique opportunity to make fundamental planning changes before it is too late," the Minister said.

"The Graham Farmer Freeway project will also bring immense public benefit by stimulating urban renewal and beautification programs in the Northbridge and nearby areas.

"The area will develop as a cultural centre and be further enhanced as a tourism and entertainment drawcard."

Mr Charlton said Graham Farmer had risen from humble beginnings at Sister Kate's Home in Queen's Park to become a household name throughout Australia. His pursuit of excellence and his exploits in over two decades in WA and Victoria had seen him inducted into football's Hall of Fame as a Legend.

"Graham Farmer has been a role model for people from all walks of life and naming this project after such a dignified and respected sporting legend will be warmly embraced by all Western Australians," he said.

Mr Charlton said the decision was a departure from the usual practice of naming major public infrastructure projects after Government, civic or political notables.

"We believe the decision acknowledges a major achiever from civilian ranks who has had a profound beneficial impact on our society. Graham Farmer has made an immense contribution to our community and this is a tangible way of paying tribute," he said.

Today's historic naming was marked by a simple ceremony in which the Minister dedicated a plaque and accompanied Mr Farmer and members of his family on a tour of the tunnel project

The Graham Farmer Freeway is scheduled to be completed in the year 2000.

Media contact: Doug Cunningham 9321 7333