Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation project to go ahead

• State Government to proceed with delivery of Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation
• Announcement comes after Federal Government withdrew funding from the project
• $50 million has already been allocated by the State towards the project

The Cook Labor Government has confirmed it will proceed with delivery of the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation, after the Federal Government announced today it was cutting funding from the project.

The project was part of a recent Federal Government review of Australia's infrastructure pipeline.

The decision by the Federal Government to withdraw its support will see $200 million cut from the project. The State has already allocated $50 million towards the project.

The Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation will improve the efficiency of truck movements on the South Western Highway and improve safety in Pinjarra by diverting trucks around the township.

The project is currently going through environmental and heritage approvals. Once these processes are completed, the State Government will assess funding and delivery options.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"We see the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation as a very important project both for the efficiency of our supply chains and for the safety of people living in Pinjarra.

"This decision by the Federal Government to remove $200 million from this project is disappointing but we remain committed to seeing it delivered, with $50 million already allocated by the State.

"The project is currently going through environmental and heritage approvals, and once that process has concluded, we will assess funding and delivery options as part of regular budget processes."

Comments attributed to Murray Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:

"This project is twenty years in the making and the State Government is committed to delivering it for Pinjarra. 

"Not only does this project complement the Shire of Murray's vision for our area, but it will also take heavy haulage away from our town centre and create a more vibrant community."