Minister welcomes additional Bunbury Outer Ring Road funds

• McGowan Government election commitment receives Commonwealth funding
• Federal Government responds to WA's requests for Bunbury Outer Ring Road funds
• Business case for project to be submitted to Infrastructure Australia next week 

Transport Minister Rita Saffioti has welcomed the Federal Government's funding for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road.

The funding follows prolonged calls from the former State Labor Opposition and the now McGowan Labor Government for the Commonwealth to contribute towards the vital project.

A funding application for stages two and three of the project was recently provided to Infrastructure Australia, delivering a key McGowan Government election commitment.

The funding will enable the State Government to construct the remaining stages from the South Western Highway to the Bussell Highway and from the Perth-Bunbury Highway to near Picton Boyanup Road.

The working estimated cost of the project is being finalised, however, $560 million of Federal funding is now secured.

The last State Budget also included a $12.5 million allocation towards the Bunbury Outer Ring Road - part of a larger $79 million infrastructure package for Bunbury including funds for the Australind rail service, Bunbury Waterfront and Bunbury Port.

Completion of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road will provide more efficient access for freight to the Bunbury Port, and enable the expansion of the industrial centres, leading to more manufacturing, agricultural processing and more jobs.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The investments we are making will see Bunbury attain the necessary infrastructure befitting of a major regional centre.

"This latest Commonwealth funding allows us to finalise the planning, consultation and approvals and then get on with building the road.

"This is a major win for jobs in the South-West and a major win for Bunbury residents who will see reduced freight traffic on local roads."

Comments attributed to Bunbury MLA Don Punch:

"This is a great leap forward for Bunbury and is a direct consequence of the hard work put in by the McGowan Labor Government.

"This is a clear example of how this Government is standing up for the regions."

Comments attributed to Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray:

"It's great to see significant Federal funding secured by the McGowan Labor Government for this much-needed bypass road.

"This project will not only take heavy traffic away from suburban areas of Bunbury but allow traffic to flow smoothly on the way to South-West tourist destinations which will no doubt make our roads safer.

"Additionally, the construction phase of this project will create jobs, providing welcome economic benefits for the region."

Comments attributed to Murray-Wellington MLA Robyn Clarke:

"This is a much-needed project for the South-West, and will decrease congestion and create local construction jobs in the process.

"The funding secured by the McGowan Government will provide the Murray-Wellington community with relief from significantly increased freight traffic."

Minister's office - 6552 5500