Much-needed upgrades to Thomas Road are another step closer with the State Government announcing a $145 million investment as part of the 2022-23 State Budget.
The State Government funding represents half of the $290 million required, with the Federal Government committing $145 million in its 2022-23 Budget last month.
The funding commitment from the State Government means the Shire of Serpentine-Jarrahdale is one step closer to safer and less congested local roads, and ensuring local infrastructure caters for the ever-increasing population in the area.
Shire President Cr Michelle Rich welcomed this commitment to local infrastructure in the State Budget.
“The State Government has been a strong supporter of road investment in our region over recent years as evidenced by this recent funding," Cr Rich said.
"We are delighted with this result after many discussions with Transport, Planning and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti, our local MLA, Hugh Jones and Matthew Swinbourn MLC."
The upgrades to Thomas Road will include building a new grade separated interchange at the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Thomas Road, duplicating around 2.8kms of Thomas Road east of Tonkin Highway toward the South Western Highway and including 2.8kms of new Principal Shared Path along the southern verge of Thomas Road.
Cr Rich said while they were pleased with these commitments from both the State and Federal Governments, the Council hoped to also receive support from the Federal Labor Party for the Thomas Road funding.
“This project needs to be high on the agenda for Federal Government, regardless of whether a Liberal or Labor party is in power following the election next weekend," Cr Rich said.
"Road safety consistently rates as one of the highest areas of community concern and it has been the Shire’s number one priority in lobbying both levels of Government.
"It is imperative these upgrades happen on Thomas Road as our ageing road network is not suitable for the current volume of traffic.”
Cr Rich called on the Federal Labor Party to also commit to the $145 million investment should they form Government after the Federal Election.
“It would be disappointing to have come so close to this project happening and then not be supported by an incoming Government. The Shire will continue to lobby on behalf of the region as we are determined this project will proceed," Cr Rich said.
To view the Shire’s full list of Federal Government Election Priorities and Requests, visit sjshire.wa.gov.au/federal-government-election
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