Urgent funding needed to build Fremantle Eastern bypass

6/1/95

Urgent funding was needed to build the Fremantle Eastern bypass within the next five to 10 years, Planning Minister and MLA for Applecross Richard Lewis said today.

"The project is needed to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion in the heart of the city," Mr Lewis said.

"The work is identified as a priority in Premier Richard Court's submission to the Prime Minister demanding extra Commonwealth funding for a series of vital road projects.

"It is time the Commonwealth lived up to its responsibilities in the area of road funding and returned to the State some of the vast revenue it raises from WA road users."

Mr Lewis said the Commonwealth raised more than $7.3 billion annually from the Federal fuel excise, including $780 million, or 10 per cent, from WA road users. However, only $150 million was returned to the State each year for road works.

"Not enough is being put back into roads," he said.

"The State's road system is deteriorating at an alarming rate - $80 million a year.  At the same time, WA's funding has been slashed in real terms by $50 million compared to average funding levels over the previous 10 years."

Mr Lewis said the Fremantle Eastern bypass would divert large volumes of north-south traffic currently entering Fremantle.

"It will remove significant numbers of vehicles from north-south residential streets like Carrington Street and Hampton Road and place them on a new four-lane route between Cockburn Road and High Street," he said.

"It will greatly reduce the current dangerous mix of heavy and light vehicles in built up, residential areas.

"The State's road freight is growing rapidly at 10 per cent per annum.  As our population and economic base expands it will hasten the growth in heavy transportation.

"We need to keep pace with that development by accelerating the commissioning of those vital road projects identified by the Premier and ensuring we plan properly for the future.

"The Commonwealth has an obligation to commit more funds to road projects in WA, not only in this State's interests, but in the interests of the nation.

"WA produces a quarter of the nation's wealth - it must be given the means to build on that growth.  A healthy road system is one of the keys and the Commonwealth must provide the resources."

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 221 1377