News
First shovelready WA project complete on Great Eastern Highway
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Vince Catania with Lara Jensen
Win for Regional WA with Road Signage Inquiry
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ember for North West Central, Vince Catania, and many tireless supporters are celebrating a big win for regional WA, with the announcement of a Road Signage Inquiry by the Minister for Transport. Mr Catania said, “This is a step in the right direction in making our regional roads as safe as possible and importantly recognises a desperate call by many from the bush for help to reduce the potential for accidents and tragedies which have already taken too many lives and destroyed families and communities.” The Minister has discussed how best to proceed with the regional road works signage inquiry with Mr Catania, after presenting a Petition to Parliament, confirming the Government will now establish an independent review with details of the inquiry to be determined over the coming weeks. Mr Catania said he was pleased with the announcement after seeking Government support for improved road signage procedures for several months. “We’re now seeing an increased focus on road-trip tourism in WA, promoting must-see destinations across the regions, like Karijini, Mount Augustus, the Kalbarri National Park Skywalk, and the Ningaloo Reef,” he said. “While we promote and encourage road-trip tourism, we want to make sure it is done as safely as possible so visitors, many new to country driving and local regional road users, all return home safe and sound.” “Now more than ever, with increasing
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WATM • October 2020
volumes of traffic and many modes of transport sharing our remote roads including heavy haulage mining, livestock and freight trucks, along with caravans and leisure vehicles, the call for having robust safety signs in place warning drivers of the dangers of hazards up ahead is paramount.” Lara Jensen, a remote pastoralist, northeast of Mount Magnet supports Vince’s comments after fighting hard for better road signage for over twenty years. Knowing too well of the far-reaching impacts and heartache suffered after losing her brother Christian and his two friends in an accident at a rail crossing without adequate road signage, Lara said, “I’m ecstatic that after years of pushing this empty barrow, finally with an independent inquiry, there may be change – our roads are the workplace for many truck drivers, pastoralists and regional residents who are on the roads day in and day out so safer roads are a must.” “This is the start of a journey to fulfill a collective goal of many impacted people to ensure lives in regions are saved and noone suffers the same daily pain our families and friends will live with forever,” she said. Mr Catania said, “I’m thankful the power and persistence of many people have shone a light on this important issue with the State Government agreeing to review and strengthen policies for road works signage.” “I look forward to working collaboratively towards continuing to ensure we strengthen safety on our regional roads and save lives,” said Mr Catania.
he first shovel-ready project in Western Australia was delivered under the state's recent $223 million infrastructure boost, with upgrades on the Great Eastern Highway Coates Gully Bridge now complete. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Coates Gully Bridge was one of several projects across Western Australia to be identified for fast-tracking. "The project replaced the existing bridge with a new culvert on the Great Eastern Highway and it was
No matter where you visit in WA you will see hard hats and infrastructure works underway also widened to be a safer, more productive 12-metre formation," the Deputy Prime Minister said. "These works have improved road safety, saving lives, and bolstering the resilience of the state's road networks. "Our $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline will support our economy and create jobs, particularly for those in the construction and manufacturing industries." Western Australian Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said, “No matter where you visit in WA you will see hard hats and infrastructure works underway. "These upgrades will improve road safety for all road users as well as improving the efficiency and network reliability for freight movements across the region." The Great Eastern Highway Coates Gully Bridge project was jointly funded by the Australian ($2.4 million) and WA ($600,000) Governments.
