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Proposed Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton route
Proposed Dongara-
Geraldton-Northampton route
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Apreferred route has been identified for the future freight corridor between Dongara, Geraldton, and Northampton. The proposed corridor follows an inland route to the south of Geraldton up towards Northampton following close to North West Coastal Highway.
From Dongara to Geraldton, a new inland corridor is proposed to start near the Brand Highway and Midlands Road intersection to link up with the current Arthur Road alignment to the south of Geraldton.
The northern link and southern options would be linked by proposed new road infrastructure within the already planned Oakajee Narngulu Infrastructure Corridor. From Geraldton to Northampton, a new road is proposed within a wider corridor near the existing North West Coastal Highway.
The preferred route was defined by a Main Roads alignment selection study which was undertaken to identify a road corridor that could provide a long-term solution for freight, safely accommodate heavy vehicle combinations, and remove heavy vehicles from town sites throughout the Mid-West.
This study originally identified three possible routes between Dongara and Geraldton, and a further three between Geraldton and Northampton. Following extensive community feedback and investigations, the preferred single corridor between Dongara, Geraldton, and Northampton has been proposed.
Main Roads will now continue discussions with landowners and other key stakeholders, including local governments and the Mid West Development Commission, before seeking endorsement from the Western Australian Planning Commission.
WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said, “This is a project that has been talked about in the Mid-West region for many years. I want to stress this is only the start of the process for this project and there is currently no funding allocated towards construction.” To find out more about the planning study, and provide feedback, visit: www.mysaytransport.wa.gov.au/dongara-geraldton-northampton.
Budget delivers trucking investment and safety boosts
The introduction of temporary full expensing will drive trucking business investment and encourage the purchase of new, safer trucks and trailers, Chair of the ATO David Smith said.
Businesses with a turnover of up to $5 billion will be able to write off the full value of any new eligible asset they purchase for their business. For small and medium businesses, this will also include second-hand assets.
“This is a game-changer that will unlock investment in upgraded truck fleets. It will support jobs and put newer, safer, and greener trucks on the road.
“The importance of its application to trucking was highlighted by the Treasurer, who said in his budget speech, “A trucking company will be able to upgrade its fleet.”
“The new support will extend support to 30 June 2022.
“The ATA also welcomes new support for businesses with a turnover up to $5 billion to temporarily offset tax losses against previous profits and the new JobMaker Hiring Credit to support creating jobs for young Australians,” he said.
The budget announcement sets out the Government’s $110 billion infrastructure pipeline, including $14 billion in new and accelerated infrastructure.
“2020 has been a reminder of how critical roads and supply chains are in keeping communities supplied,” Mr Smith said.
“Building better and safer roads will boost the Australian economy and provide better access for moving goods to consumers and global markets,” he said.
The Government will also invest an additional $2 billion into targeted road safety works and $5.5 million to establish a National Road Safety Data Hub. $1.2 billion has been announced to support businesses to employ 100,000 new apprentices or trainees under a new apprenticeship support program. Under the program, businesses can apply for a 50 per cent wage subsidy to take on new apprentices regardless of location, industry, or business size.
“This is a strong investment in skills and will support the training of new apprentices and trainees, including diesel mechanics and drivers and logistics workers undertaking traineeships,” Mr Smith said.
“These roles are critical to trucking and part of the diverse and professional career options in our industry,” he said.
