6/2/04
The Gallop Government today delivered on its commitment to seal the road linking Port Hedland to Marble Bar - more than half a century after the project was first promised.
More than 100 Pilbara residents, including a big group of Marble Bar schoolchildren, attended this morning's official roadside opening by Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan.
"In 1951 with the closure of the old railway line, a promise was made to provide a sealed road between Port Hedland and Marble Bar - I first learnt of this sorry story when we came to Government," Ms MacTiernan said.
"After a visit to Marble Bar that year and seeing first-hand the problems with visibility, we allocated the money to complete the job.
"Replacing the old gravel road with a bitumen seal to complete this integral East Pilbara link closes out a long wait for the communities at Port Hedland, Marble Bar and the surrounding areas."
Since 2001, the Gallop Government had injected $16million to construct the final four sections, covering 36.5km, of the Marble Bar Road.
Consolidated Constructions was awarded the $7.6million contract for the final section in August last year.
"The new road has already significantly improved safety, reduced transport costs and the likelihood of road closures and it will continue to reap benefits for the region in years to come," Ms MacTiernan said.
"One of the most crucial benefits is the ability to remove visibility obscuring dust clouds created by vehicles, and in particular road trains."
Pilbara Minister Tom Stephens said the project's successful completion was a boon for the mining industry and local communities.
"The people of Marble Bar, Port Hedland and remote Aboriginal communities such as Punmu can now enjoy a safe and efficient road link that connects people and places," Mr Stephens said.
"Furthermore, the road will be less susceptible to long closures caused by flooding during seasonal wet weather.
"The mining industry, from which two local companies contributed project funds, will also see a great reduction in travel times and transportation costs."
Minister MacTiernan's office: 9213 6400
Minister Stephen's office: 9213 6500
