WA Nationals to fund $45m towards Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road repairs, will lobby Commonwealth for more funding

The Nationals have committed funding to repair Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, pledging $45 million towards the upgrades should they form government at the State election. The party also said it will lobby the Commonwealth for the remaining funds, which according to an Infrastructure WA report would cost a total of $225m. Nationals leader Shane Love said the heavy-haulage route had been neglected under the Labor government. “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,” he 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.” The road is 335km and is a key route for grain and minerals to reach Geraldton Port for export. According to the Nationals, road widening and shoulder sealing, 15 new or extended overtaking lanes, new heavy vehicle rest areas, and major repairs were among the key areas of the funding. Also included was the replacement of Eradu Bridge, and a road realignment in Mullewa which has long been flagged for repairs due to potholes. Mr Love said the repairs would help boost the State 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,” he said. “This is real investment which delivers safer roads, more jobs during construction, and stronger local industries.” Nationals’ Geraldton candidate Kirrilee Warr said there were a number of safety risks on the road. “This major regional road is falling apart, overtaking lanes are scarce, and blind crests and tight curves make it an accident waiting to happen,” she 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.” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said on Monday $20m had been spent over the past two years to improve road safety on parts of Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, with another $6m forecasted over the next two years. However, she said the road was a priority, with the Federal Government involved to try and get the upgrades done. “We’ve also prepared a full business case to go to the Commonwealth for a major upgrade, and that business case has been developed and submitted,” Ms Saffioti said. “We’ll continue to work on improving Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, we know that it’s a major priority for the community and we’ll continue to support its upgrades. “It will require a major upgrade, and that’s why we’ve gone to the Commonwealth.”