Published on Friday, 25 September 2020 at 9:00:00 AM
Media Statement
25th September 2020
Dongara Geraldton Northampton Transport Corridor
The Shire of Chapman Valley welcome the announcement by the Hon. Rita Saffioti, MLA, Minister for Transport, of the preferred corridor for a future link between Dongara and Northampton, passing through the Shire of Chapman Valley.
“The Shire of Chapman Valley and the Chapman Valley Highway Opposition Group have worked tirelessly for more than five years to promote the option between Northampton and Geraldton being the preferred route the Minister has announced.” Shire President Anthony Farrell stated.
“It always made common sense to us that the northern section of the route should follow the existing North West Coastal Highway and the proposed Oakajee Narngulu Industrial Corridor and not an inland route as was being advocated by some. We couldn’t comprehend why an inland heavy haulage route, bypassing the Oakajee Industrial Estate, could have been seriously considered” Cr Farrell added.
“This has been a long and arduous process and I thank Main Roads WA, Midwest Development Commission, all four local government authorities and the Shire constituents for the active and at time robust discussions we have had to reach this significant and positive outcome.
The Shire has attempted to minimise the number of landowners affected by the proposed corridor and though we understand there will still be land owners affected the proposed route in the Shire of Chapman Valley has been minimised this affect.
Landowners linked by the proposed Oakajee Narngulu Industrial Corridor (ONIC) have had their land sterilised for 15 to 20 years, whilst waiting for the State Government to finalise this matter, so we would encourage the State to move forward as a matter of urgency now the preferred Dongara Geraldton Northampton Transport Corridor, which incorporate the ONIC, has been chosen to address these landowners issues” Cr Farrell said.
“Finally, I encourage everyone to participate in the next consultation stage being facilitated by Main Roads WA so we can hopefully move closer to the next stage of implementation.” Cr Farrell said.
End Statement
Contact: Cr Anthony Farrell, President, Shire of Chapman Valley, 0429 311 033
To find out more about the planning study, and provide feedback, visit https://www.mainroads.wa.gov.au/globalassets/projects-initiatives/projects/regional/dongara-to-northampton/dongara-geraldton-northampton-planning-study-update-october-2020.pdf
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