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WA Budget lays down $1.37b for roads

WA joins other jurisdictions in pumping billions into infrastructure, with Budget delivering $1.37 billion to roads

Western Australia will join other jurisdictions in pumping billions of dollars into infrastructure projects, with the State Budget delivering $1.37 billion to roads and transport route upgrades.

Rural roads will benefit the most from the Coalition’s first Budget, receiving $793.4 million or two-thirds of the total amount. Major projects such as the upgrade of the Great Eastern Highway in the City of Belmony will receive the other $357.8 million.

There will be significant upgrades on local roads throughout the State, with $116.6 million spent on a black spot program as well as $36 million for a safer road program.

Transport Minister Simon O’Brien says spending on such projects is aimed at keeping up with the increase in WA industry and the role the trucking sector plays in that.

“The roads budget reflects the growth in WA’s economy and is designed to meet community demand for improved road services,” he says.

There will also be a high emphasis on road safety with $30 million set aside to purchase digital speed and red light cameras as part of the Government’s ‘Towards Zero’ road safety strategy.

Ports throughout the region will also benefit with $377.2 million handed out to upgrade and dredge the Port of Freemantle and Esperance on top of the $339 million for developing the Oakajee Port project, which is set to begin in 2011.

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