The Nationals WA in Government will deliver $225 million, with support from the Commonwealth, to provide a major upgrade to Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, ensuring the vital freight route is safer, more efficient, and fit for purpose for all road users.
Leader of The Nationals WA and Member for Moore Shane Love MLA announced the commitment today, pledging to commit $45 million from the State Government and secure Commonwealth support for the remaining funding.
“This major road has been utterly neglected under WA Labor, despite being a key freight corridor carrying up to 200 quad road trains every day,” Mr Love said.
“The WA Labor Government approved massive increases in heavy vehicles movements, but has done nothing to maintain the road, making it dangerous for locals, tourists, and emergency services.”
Mr Love said the $225 million project would deliver major upgrades along the 335-kilometre road in line with recommendations by Infrastructure Australia.
“This funding will cover road widening and shoulder sealing, 15 new or extended overtaking lanes, the replacement of Eradu Bridge, a new heavy vehicle rest area near Pindar, and major repairs to the road.
“It will also fund a road realignment through the Mullewa townsite, which has been left to crumble under heavy truck movements.”
Mr Love said the investment wouldn’t just improve safety but would boost WA’s economy.
“According to Infrastructure Australia, upgrading this road will deliver an economic return of almost $400 million over the next 30 years through improved freight efficiency,” Mr Love said.
“This is real investment which delivers safer roads, more jobs during construction, and stronger local industries.”
Mr Love welcomed the commitment from the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure, Senator Bridget McKenzie, that a future Coalition Government will restore the 80-20 funding split for major regional road projects.
“This will not only help fund the much-needed upgrades to Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road but provide WA with increased support for other major projects like the Bindoon Bypass which has been left to languish by Labor.”
The Nationals WA spokesperson for Road Safety and candidate for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr said the RAC Risky Roads report confirmed the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road was one of WA’s most dangerous roads.
“This major regional road is falling apart, overtaking lanes are scarce, and blind crests and tight curves make it an accident waiting to happen,” Ms Warr said.
“For years, locals have raised concerns. I’ve backed petitions signed by hundreds of residents, but the Transport Minister and local Labor MP have ignored us.
“With ageing rail infrastructure and limited routes between this area and Geraldton port, upgrading the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road is critical for road safety and will provide greater efficiency in our regional freight network.
“The Nationals WA will put money on the table in our first budget and make upgrading the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road a top priority, and unlike WA Labor, we’ll work closely with our Federal colleagues to get this project fully funded and delivered.”
Ms Warr said The Nationals WA are the only Party making road safety a top priority ahead of the election.
“After a horror year on WA roads in 2024, The Nationals have committed $276 million to the Safer Local Roads program, targeting more than 400 high-speed local government roads where fatal and serious crashes occur.
“We’ve also committed $45 million to deliver a rescue helicopter for Geraldton, ensuring faster emergency responses to road accidents across the Mid West,” Ms Warr said
