Rezoning moves proposed Dongara roadhouse step closer

A proposed roadhouse outside of Dongara has passed an early hurdle, with Irwin Shire council supporting a motion to rezone the Brand Highway site.

The vacant lot sits across the highway from the BP Dongara service station, which has occupied the site for more than 50 years.

Shire President Mike Smith said there were “some serious issues with the old roadhouses” in the Shire of Irwin, and that the small land area of the ageing service station meant it was struggling to keep up with an average of 3180 vehicles passing per day.

“We’ve had to man the highway with police managing the traffic on some occasions during peak periods,” he said.

“We’re almost powerless to get that changed because they’re established businesses.”

The Brand Highway is rated by Main Roads WA for vehicles up to 36.5m long, and weighing as much as 107.5 tonnes. The proposed United roadhouse on the southbound side would have larger facilities for these trucks, and caravans, with an exit on to Moore road providing the space for longer vehicles to turn back onto the highway.

While the council has supported the rezoning application, Mr Smith said there was still a long road ahead for the proposed service station.

Once rezoning is finalised, the proposal will be opened for public comment before a final decision is made on whether the roadhouse can go ahead.