Member for Geraldton Ian Blayney is once again calling on the Minister for Transport to meet with local residents who will be affected if the preferred Dongara-Geraldton bypass route was to go ahead, to aid her understanding of how it would affect the local community.
Having met with the owners of the Moonyoonooka Store last week with Hon Mia Davies MLA, Leader of The Nationals WA, Mr Blayney said it was clear they had not been given any certainty or clarity around how they will be affected or what will happen to their store should the preferred route go ahead.
“Moonyoonooka is the site of the intersection for the proposed bypass,” Mr Blayney said.
“The Moonyoonooka store is located close to this proposed intersection, and the owners are concerned their store will be demolished to make way for the new bypass, but they have no certainty regarding this, which is a huge cause for concern.
“For the last 20 years the store has been run by Gary and Marion Davidson, hard-working members of the community who provide a vital service to the surrounding areas of Narra Tarra, Eradu, Bringo, Northern Gully, Kojarena, the Airport precinct and the Narngulu industrial area.
“Over 200 residents have post boxes at the store’s post office, and for local residents and businesses in the industrial estate, it is the closest store that they can by newspapers, fuel, liquor, food and drinks.
“If the Minister was to visit the region, she would know this, which highlights how critical it is for her to start meeting local residents and to start improving her understanding of the local community.
“The owners of the store, as well as local residents, should not be left in the dark regarding how this project might affect them, and it’s time the Minister for Transport came to Moonyoonooka to meet with the community so that she can hear their concerns first hand.
Mr Blayney said the Moonooyooka store is a local institution that has existed for over 100 years and it is vital the Labor Government guarantee the future of this store for generations to come.
“Having been there for over 100 years, the store plays a vital part in the history of the community as well as being the last shop for people heading East into the regions,” Mr Blayney said.
“Local businesses, and business owners like Gary and Marion, are the back bone of our communities and they deserve to have their concerns acknowledged.
“The Nationals WA recognise the valuable role local businesses play in our regional communities and I will continue to put pressure on Minister Saffioti to meet with my constituents to help to ensure the best possible outcome for the community.
“After 100 years, this store cannot just disappear, and I will continue to work with the community to safeguard this vital institution for generations to come.”