Official opening of Mount Keith to Wiluna Highway

9/2/00

Transport Minister Murray Criddle and Barry Haase, the Federal Member for Kalgoorlie, today officially opened the new $27 million Mt Keith to Wiluna section of the Goldfields Highway.
Mr Criddle said the 82km section of highway, which was jointly funded by the State and Federal Governments, would have significant economic benefits for existing and future mining, pastoral and transport industry developments.
"The need for safer and more efficient transport infrastructure for the area was identified in 1994, and planning continued through to 1998 to locate a suitable route which would support the existing and anticipated industry development in the area," the Minister said.

"In the long term the project will enhance transport efficiency, reduce costs, and open up the Eastern Goldfields to unique tourism opportunities.
"The new sealed road, which is about five kilometres shorter and located west of the old gravel route, traverses the mineral rich greenstone belt servicing a number of mining ventures, such as WMC Resources' Mt Keith nickel operation.
"The highway now provides excellent access to the isolated town of Wiluna with significant improvements made at intersections and to heavy vehicle access facilities.
"The project was a major undertaking by Main Roads' major project directorate and Macmahon Contractors and represented the first Main Roads design and construct contract to be managed and built in a remote rural location."
Mr Haase said the highway was an exciting development for the region, and the State Government, Main Roads Western Australia and Macmahon Contractors should be congratulated on this outstanding achievement.
"The Goldfields Highway provides a vital link for the North Eastern Goldfields region connecting Wiluna, Leinster, Leonora and Menzies to the centres of Kalgoorlie and Kambalda," Mr Haase said.
"The importance of this highway was recognised by the Federal Government with a $15 million contribution made to the project through the Roads of National Importance Program, which provides funding to promote regional and national development.
"This funding means that the isolated community of Wiluna and surrounding industries have been provided with vital and reliable transport facilities that will enhance access and reduce cartage costs to and from other parts of the State.
"Historically, the high cost of maintenance, closures during the wet season and high cost of freight has had a serious impact on profit and viability for road users.
"However, long term economic growth of the rapidly expanding North Eastern Goldfields region, which already contributes significantly to the overall wealth of the nation, has now been secured through the provision of this high quality transport route.
"The historical town of Wiluna and the surrounding mineral rich areas will continue to benefit from the new road in years to come with the further expansion of mining and agricultural industries in the region."
Media contact: Kirsten Stoney 9321 7333