South West cash splash worth millions towards improving safety and efficiency across road, rail and shipping

The State Government announced a major cash splash for the South West on Monday that would combine to increase safety and efficiency in the region’s trade routes to the world. Safety improvements at the Bunbury Port, additional funding for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road and upgraded rail crossings were the focal points of the splurge. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti announced an additional $400 million for the construction of the BORR, with the extra funding included in the 2022-23 State Budget. The Federal Government also committed more funding to the BORR recently after diesel and bitumen prices continued to soar amid supply issues stemming from the war in Ukraine. In the past six months diesel prices have risen by 60 per cent and bitumen increased in cost by 20 per cent, resulting in significant cost blow-outs for the BORR. “The Bunbury Outer Ring Road is the biggest transport infrastructure project ever planned or executed for the South West, which is already generating significant local economic and job opportunities,” Ms Saffioti said. Bunbury MLA Don Punch said the project would boost Bunbury’s status as a major economical regional centre. “Removing freight and regional traffic from our local roads will provide relief for local residents, while maintaining easy access to Bunbury and other regional destinations,” he said. This major freight route will be further improved by the $10.7 million of infrastructure and equipment enhancements announced for Bunbury Port. $3.6 million of this will go towards a new pilot launch for the Bunbury Port to enhance pilotage services during unseasonal weather events, with a further $3.2 million going towards upgrades and extensions of the fire ring main around one of the port’s berths. The improvements will shore up the Southern Ports Authority’s overseas trade network from Albany, Bunbury and Esperance ports, which saw 35.4 million tonnes of product being shipped through the ports last financial year. The final piece of the puzzle is improvement to 11 railway crossings on the Australind line over the next three years. The State Government allocated $3 million towards upgrading existing crossings from pedestrian paths to disability compliant crossing facilities, as well as the installation of new mazes, signage and pavement markings. With at least four of the new crossings set to go into the Shire of Harvey, Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke welcomed the planned upgrades. “This $3 million investment into upgrading level crossings on the Australind line will make it safer for our community and residents,” Mrs Clarke said.