Main-road trucks to rumble on through Northampton

Northampton residents will be sharing their main street with road trains for at least another year before the WA Government announces plans to construct a bypass.

And Chapman Valley landowners are still wondering whether a new freight route would cross their properties. Nationals WA transport spokesman Vince Catania said the Government must prioritise the Northampton bypass.

He said it was urgently needed and asked Transport Minister Rita Saffioti to provide residents with a time frame for delivery of the project, or its potential cost.

“The minister responded that there is currently no funding for the construction,” Mr Catania said. “She said the Government’s planning efforts were focused elsewhere.”

At a Budget estimates hearing, Mr Catania also sought answers on Chapman Valley landowners’ behalf for the Oakajee-Narngulu industrial corridor.

“There’s obviously issues with the project, and landowners feel powerless after their land was basically left sterilised,” he said.

“The Nationals are seeking some clarity for affected landowners so they at least know what they’re up against.”

Member for Moore Shane Love said the final route of the Northampton to Dongara corridor had been a hot topic for years and the communities in its path needed certainty.

“The Northampton bypass is required and its design will not alter, regardless of the route constructed further south,” he said.

“There is a real need to get the Northampton bypass in place as quickly as possible as the first stage of the wider project”.

Labor Member for the Agricultural Region Darren West said the Northampton bypass was an important project.

“Main Roads is progressing with a review of a Planning Study for the Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route Corridor and is working with the affected local governments and State Government agencies to finalise costings,” he said.

“The department is also investigating short-term options to improve the efficiency and safety of the existing North West Coastal Highway.”

He said the Labor Government had achieved “a great deal” in its first two years, including $20 million Indian Ocean Drive upgrades, the $275 million Bindoon bypass and the $347 million Great Northern Highway improvements between Muchea and Wubin.