The WA state government is facing funding cuts which may impact the upcoming project.
Despite budget cuts to the project, the WA government is going ahead with the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation works.
The federal government has withdrawn its $200 million investment in the project, with $50 million currently allocated by the state government.
But state transport minister Rita Saffioti says her government is committed to still continuing their delivery of the road improvements.
“We see the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation as a very important project both for the efficiency of our supply chains and for the safety of people living in Pinjarra,” she says.
“This decision by the federal government to remove $200 million from this project is disappointing but we remain committed to seeing it delivered, with $50 million already allocated by the state.
“The project is currently going through environmental and heritage approvals, and once that process has concluded, we will assess funding and delivery options as part of regular budget processes.”
The project aims to improve efficiency of trucks travelling in regional WA along the South Western Highway by diverting them around the township of Pinjarra.
This will come with the added benefit of improving safety in the town itself.
While the state government has committed to delivering to the project, it is still undergoing environmental and heritage approvals, which will be followed by the state considering delivery options.
“This project is twenty years in the making, and the state government is committed to delivering it for Pinjarra,” says member for Murray Wellington Robyn Clarke.
“Not only does this project complement the Shire of Murray’s vision for our area, but it will also take heavy haulage away from our town centre and create a more vibrant community.”
Initially slated to begin construction in late 2024, it was announced in April that the project is now expected to be delayed until at least 2026.
The WA government is yet to comment on the new timeframe with the funding cuts.