Upgrade needed for major Pilbara roads, Craigie

Author: Lynne Craigie
Published on: 08-July-2010

The Nationals WA candidate for Durack, Lynne Craigie, has called on the Federal Government to provide funding to upgrade major roads in the Pilbara.

Ms Craigie said major roads linking the communities of Marble Bar, Newman, Tom Price and Karratha had all fallen into a state of disrepair, and could cause a serious accident.

“Marble Bar Road, Roebourne Wittenoom Road, and the Tom Price Railway Road are hundreds of kilometers long and the only significant links between these Pilbara communities,” Ms Craigie said.

“It is vital that they are maintained and upgraded to cope with the growing number of road users brought on by the resources boom.

“These roads are full of potholes, which have been the cause of many tyre blow-outs and roll-overs.

“With so many road trains, tourists, and residents using these roads every day, it is only a matter of time before a serious accident occurs.”

Ms Craigie is no stranger to the roads in the Durack electorate, having travelled more than 30,000 kilometres by road since the start of this year.

“Growth in the Pilbara means we have more road users than ever before and something must be done to improve these roads before a death occurs.”

Ms Craigie said The Nationals WA are calling on the Federal Government to match Royalties for Regions, dollar for dollar.

“Royalties for Regions is delivering more than $896 million to infrastructure projects and community services in regional WA in 2010-11. The Minerals Resource Rent Tax is only offering $250 million.

“All candidates hoping to represent regional WA in Canberra should be echoing our calls and demanding their party commit to matching Royalties for Regions.”

“The Nationals WA are committed to representing regional WA and will fight to make sure we get our fair share from the Federal Government.”