The biggest
road project ever delivered in the South West region has been officially opened
at a ceremony today, delivering a major win for Bunbury locals and people travelling
to and from the South West.
Traffic
will formally begin flowing on the 27-kilometre four-lane highway tomorrow,
which connects Forrest Highway north of Bunbury to Bussell Highway south of
Bunbury.
The new
road is expected to divert around 15,000 vehicles from local Bunbury roads
every day, reducing congestion and delivering safer and more efficient journeys
for locals.
The road will
also shave travel times to and from the South West by around 20 minutes, with
drivers now avoiding 13 sets of traffic lights on their journey to key tourism
hubs including Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River.
The new
road includes five bridges, four grade-separated interchanges, and 19 fauna
crossings, representing a significant investment in the region's transport
infrastructure.
The Wilman
Wadandi Highway project has also delivered substantial benefits to the local
economy including:
- The
creation of 4500 jobs during the construction phase
- More than
$558 million has been spent with South West businesses
- $54 million
has been spent with Aboriginal businesses
The opening
coincides with the peak Summer holiday season, with motorists being encouraged
to head to the Main Roads website to familiarise themselves with the new road before
beginning their journeys.
Some minor
works will still be underway across a range of areas including on some local
roads, landscaping, artwork, and minor tie-in works.
The Wilman
Wadandi Highway has been jointly funded by the Australian and Western
Australian governments, underscoring a commitment to the long-term regional
growth of the area.
The Australian
Government has committed $1.1 billion, while the WA Government has contributed
$356.7 million to the $1.46 billion project.
Quotes
attributed to WA Premier Roger Cook:
"Our WA
Labor Government is delivering the critical infrastructure our regions need for
the future.
"The Wilman
Wadandi Highway will slash congestion in the South West, getting cars off local
roads in Bunbury, improving road safety and shaving up to 20 minutes off travel
times around the region.
"I want to thank the
thousands of workers that have delivered this important project, which I know
will make a real difference for residents, commuters and travellers in our
regions."
Quotes
attributed to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local
Government Minister Catherine King:
"The
opening of the Wilman Wadandi Highway marks a significant milestone for Western
Australia, representing one of the largest investments in regional
infrastructure ever undertaken in the State's south west.
"This
highway will transform travel for freight, tourists, and locals by reducing
congestion, improving safety, and enhancing connectivity across the region.
"Projects
like the Wilman Wadandi Highway showcase the Australian Government's commitment
to building infrastructure that delivers long-term benefits for regional
communities and strengthens local economies."
Quotes
attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"This is another
example of our Government delivering infrastructure projects that drive our economy,
create jobs for thousands of Western Australians and set our State up for the
future.
"We've seen
significant growth around Bunbury and the clash of local traffic, with tourist
and freight traffic heading to the South West was no longer sustainable.
"The Wilman
Wadandi Highway will reduce congestion on local Bunbury roads and make the
commute to and from the South West around 20 minutes faster for thousands of
motorists every day.
"This is
the biggest road project we have delivered in the South West, and will ensure
our road network remains safe, efficient and reliable for many decades to
come."
Quotes
attributed to Federal Senator for Western Australia Louise Pratt:
"We all know life gets harder for locals
on the roads when the tourist and summer season hits in our South West. The
Wilman Wadandi Highway project, which the Australian Government is pleased to
invest in, will make a huge difference to holiday makers, locals and freight
operators alike.
"That's why the Australian Government is
proud to be partnering with the WA Government to deliver the infrastructure
that West Australians need, like the Wilman Wadandi Highway in the state's
South West."
Quotes
attributed to Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"The
opening of this project will be transformative for Bunbury and the South West
by improving road safety and easing congestion for locals and visitors alike.
"The
highway has provided a much-needed boost to our local economy, supporting
hundreds of South West businesses, creating thousands of jobs and safeguarding
the long-term future of our Port.
"As we
celebrate this milestone, I thank the community for their patience and look
forward to the highway's lasting benefits for Bunbury residents and businesses."
Quotes
attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Jodie Hanns:
"The
opening of the Wilman Wadandi Highway is a game-changer for our region,
significantly improving safety and accessibility for South West communities.
"The
investment in this project has delivered real results on the ground, from
supporting local businesses to enhancing road infrastructure for future
generations.
"This
highway will make a lasting difference for our growing region, ensuring
residents and visitors alike can enjoy safer and more efficient journeys."
Quotes
attributed to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:
"The Wilman
Wadandi Highway's opening represents a brighter future for the South West,
improving how residents and businesses connect with the wider region.
"This
project is an example of how infrastructure can transform communities, from
reducing freight traffic on local roads to boosting tourism in our region.
"As
motorists adjust to the new alignment, I encourage everyone to drive safely,
follow signage, and appreciate the benefits this highway will bring to the
South West."
