Goldfields Highway forgotten again by Labor
Member for North West Central Merome Beard has again pressed the McGowan Government on the need for investment in the Goldfields Highway during the Budget Estimates process.
“Sealing the Goldfields Highway has been a huge priority since I was elected and on multiple occasions I have pushed the Transport Minister for leadership to be shown,” Ms Beard.
“The lack of any new funding for this vital transport route was a glaring hole in the Budget and prompted further questioning of the Minister.
“When the Minister was asked point blank this week if further funds would be allocated to seal the full stretch of the Highway, she said.
Ms Beard said as far back as 2011 the full sealing of the 124 kilometres of this key route was identified as a local priority, with no significant action from the McGowan Labor Government after more than six years in power.
“Despite posting another billion dollar surplus built on the back of royalties and regional WA’s hard work, there is nothing new in the Budget for this important regional transport link.
“Earlier this year a local petition garnered nearly 700 signatures demanding action, and still the community waits for an answer on when the full sealing will finally happen.
“I will keep fighting for the investment our community deserves. The Minister for Transport and the Premier can no longer arrogantly dismiss our calls for action. This is not a luxury project it is a necessity.”
“As far back as 2016 the Nationals in government committed $60 million to the full highway sealing but the Labor Government abandoned the further funds and the community who uses this stretch of road.”
Ms Beard said she wrote to the Federal Transport Minister ahead of the Federal Budget, seeking action and received back a meek non-committal response highlighting the disdain the Albanese Government has for regional WA and the people of North West Central.”
“I need to acknowledge the local leadership of the Wiluna and Meekatharra communities for their relentless advocacy for this worthy project,” Ms Beard said.
“Too the hundreds of locals who signed the recent petition, I hear you, we deserve action and I won’t take a backwards step on your behalf.