Member for the Mining and Pastoral Region Dave Grills MLC has welcomed today’s $12.5 million State Government funding commitment, which will allow for the completion of the Broome to Cape Leveque Road sealing project.
Mr Grills said the entire $65 million local road project cost had now been met, thanks to the latest funding boost allocated as part of the Mid-year Review.
“As a result of today’s announcement people living in and around Broome and Cape Leveque, and those visiting the area, will soon enjoy safer and easier travel,” he said.
Mr Grills said 90 kilometres of the 200-kilometre Kimberley road currently remained unsealed, and this initiative would see the entire road sealed.
“This is a forward-thinking project and I commend the project developers on their foresight in realising the sealing of this well-utilised road was essential for locals, the transporting of goods and travellers exploring the region,” he said.
“In my mind this is a vital step in terms of ensuring road users’ safety, particularly during the more extreme weather periods such as the Kimberley’s renowned wet season.”
Mr Grills said the construction of the “all-weather sealed road from Broome to the communities on the Dampier Peninsula” would deliver many benefits for the people living there, including better access to community services.
“Road projects like these also importantly offer job opportunities for locals and I’m pleased Aboriginal people living in the region will benefit from these employment opportunities during the construction period,” he said.
Nationals WA candidate for the Kimberley Rob Houston said this project would also “undoubtedly provide benefits for the tourism and business sectors”.
“This is a great project that has the ability to enhance the potential for further local tours and at the same time increase the economic viability and liveability of the area,” Mr Houston said.
Mr Houston said improvement works included constructing and bitumen-sealing the unsealed sections of the road, reconstructing the existing narrow sealed section near Broome Highway and upgrading the intersection at Broome Highway.
Main Roads will manage the project on behalf of the Shire of Broome and will liaise closely with local communities and businesses during the delivery of the project.
The Federal Government’s contribution of $52.5 million towards the total cost comes from the Northern Australia Roads Programme.
Construction will begin during the 2017 Kimberley dry season, once environmental and heritage approvals have been met, and is expected to take four years.
For media enquiries contact Dave Grills MLC on (08) 90711 500 or email dave.grills@mp.wa.gov.au.
