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Search starts for Tonkin Highway Extension contractor
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PAUL RAMSAY: A HERO IN OUR MIDST I
t is just mind blowing how community and business came together to assist those affected with the Wooroloo Bush Fire. So many, that this entire magazine could be filled with the names and acts of kindness of West Australians. From the individuals who have donated anything they could, and are still doing so to the farmers, transporters, stock feeders, hay exporters, animal evacuation points, veterinarians and so many more who generously donated their time and resources free of charge to help those in need who had stock affected by the fire. The area affected by the fire was the home to many horses. A true hero in our midst is Paul Ramsay director of WA based Ramsay’s Horse Transport. When the fires began Paul started receiving calls from his customers who needed their horses to be evacuated and he soon came to realise that there were going to be a great many other people needing his help. For seven days straight, Paul donated ‘free of charge’ his fleet of trucks and large custom horse trailers and moved in excess of 700 horses.
The evacuated horses were transported to safe locations at Brigadoon, Muchea, Middle Swan and Ascot. They were returned to owners, again free of charge, when it was safe to do so. Paul said he could not have done this without a huge amount of help he received. “There are so many people we need to thank that have volunteered their time, offered their stables, donating feed, fuel and so much more. A special thanks to Ian Gladding. You have been an absolute legend with all that's happened. You were first to raise your hand to offer your stables. You have spent so much time to organise feed for those in need and you did not stop there,” said Paul “A big shout out to all the drivers to which we had six who donated their time and to operators such as Paul Andrews who used his own truck to hook to one of our trailers. “On top of that, we were donated a lot of feed by Mandurah Stock Feeds, Limerick Farm Meadow Hay and Bruce Avery. We can't thank you enough,” finishes Paul Anyone with experience with horses would understand that what Paul and his team achieved was no easy feat.
he State Government recently hosted an industry workshop, seeking feedback from local contractors on the Tonkin Highway Extension project. Feedback received from industry will help shape the style of contract in a bid to maximise opportunities for local jobs and contractors, with more than 3,500 jobs expected to be created over the life of the project. Extending Tonkin Highway from Thomas Road to South Western Highway will provide improved access to growing residential areas like Byford, industrial areas, the airport and the future Outer Harbour. The preliminary concept for the project is for 14 kilometres of fourlane new dual carriageway road, with other upgrades to include: • a grade separated interchange at Bishop Road; • upgrade of the current intersection at Thomas Road and Tonkin Highway; • new intersections constructed at Orton Road, Mundijong Road and South Western Highway; and • new bridges over freight rail line, Perth to Bunbury passenger rail line and Wright Road. The last extension of Tonkin Highway to Thomas Road was completed in 2005 and there has been significant population growth in the time since. The project is jointly funded by the Australian ($404 million) and Western Australian ($101 million) Governments. Premier Mark McGowan said, “These works will improve safety, provide transport access and new freight connections for the thousands of people living and working in Perth's south-eastern suburbs." WATM • March 2021
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