New plans for North-East Corridor announced

31/1/02

A major realignment of the Perth-Darwin National Highway and three population centres north of Ellenbrook are included in future plans for an extension to the city's North-Eastern Corridor.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said that community consultation was continuing to determine the best site for a major employment/industrial node.
Ms MacTiernan said selection of a new route for the highway, west of the existing Great Northern Highway alignment, fulfilled Labor's election commitment to the people of Bullsbrook and Chittering.
She said Swan Hills MLA Jay Radisich had played a major role in promoting and organising public consultation and participation in the decision making process.
"The local community strongly supported what is known as the outer route for the highway, which will take heavy freight traffic away from existing and planned population centres," the Minister said.
"The new alignment starts at Reid Highway and Lord Street near West Swan and joins Great Northern Highway, north of Bindoon at the Calingiri Road. The proposed inner route would have been constructed closer to the residents at West Bullsbrook."
Ms MacTiernan said the strategy provided for population growth of about 30,000 over the next 30 years.
"There will be an expanded townsite at Upper Swan, Bullsbrook will grow from 900 at present to about 10,000 people and a new population centre will be established further north at Chittering," she said.
"The current land supply position is such that major urban expansion in this corridor is not expected until about the year 2020.
"By concentrating population growth around existing centres we ensure that the area's important agricultural and horticultural industries can continue to operate.
"This proposed settlement pattern was overwhelmingly supported by local people during the consultation process."
Ms MacTiernan said there would be further consultation with the local community to determine the optimum site for an employment/industrial area.
"The proposed site south of Pearce air base has caused some environmental concerns, so the community is being consulted further on this site and on possible alternatives," she said.
"We are looking for the best site to enable industry to take advantage of road and rail links and provide employment for the area's growing population, but which also takes account of important environmental issues."
Ms MacTiernan said consultation on the industrial estate would take place with a community consensus forum on March 9. Information about the forum is available from Jo Barkla at the Department for Planning and Infrastructure on 9264 7777.
Minister's office - 9213 6400