Opposition questions the Transport Minister's prioritisation of the Binnu to Tenindewa road upgrade, alleging it contradicts Main Roads' strategy and benefits the Minister's property. The Minister defends the decision based on a report and the road's importance.

AnsweredQoN 421Legislative Council
Asked
9 November 2000
Portfolio
Transport

QuestionView source ↗

When members ask a question they appreciate an answer, and the minister answered neither part of that question. I now add to the question: I refer to the allocation of money in this year’s Main Roads WA budget to commence a $7m construction and widening of the Binnu to Tenindewa road. (1) How does the minister justify this prioritisation when there is no reference to the need for any such road in Main Roads’ 2020 strategy? (2) Did he issue any directions directly or indirectly to staff of Main Roads concerning the construction of that road? (3) In case the minister has forgotten the two parts of the earlier question, they asked him specifically whether he could confirm that the Binnu East Road extends to his farming property and that that road has only category C priority, and whether roads identified as priority A and B in the same report still remain unattended to? All members on this side of the House want is for the minister to start answering some questions. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Hon M.J. CRIDDLE

AnswerView source ↗

(1)-(3) A report is available, which indicates that this is the primary route required for the area. The information is clearly available. I have property on the eastern side of that area. I used to have property on the western side, but I sold it. There is no question about that; I do not deny it. Members can drive out there and have a look. That road should have been upgraded 30 years ago. It is a vital road for the area.
(1) How does the minister justify this prioritisation when there is no reference to the need for any such road in Main Roads’ 2020 strategy? (2) Did he issue any directions directly or indirectly to staff of Main Roads concerning the construction of that road? (3) In case the minister has forgotten the two parts of the earlier question, they asked him specifically whether he could confirm that the Binnu East Road extends to his farming property and that that road has only category C priority, and whether roads identified as priority A and B in the same report still remain unattended to? All members on this side of the House want is for the minister to start answering some questions. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Hon M.J. CRIDDLE replied: (1)-(3) A report is available, which indicates that this is the primary route required for the area. The information is clearly available. I have property on the eastern side of that area. I used to have property on the western side, but I sold it. There is no question about that; I do not deny it. Members can drive out there and have a look. That road should have been upgraded 30 years ago. It is a vital road for the area.
(2) Did he issue any directions directly or indirectly to staff of Main Roads concerning the construction of that road? (3) In case the minister has forgotten the two parts of the earlier question, they asked him specifically whether he could confirm that the Binnu East Road extends to his farming property and that that road has only category C priority, and whether roads identified as priority A and B in the same report still remain unattended to? All members on this side of the House want is for the minister to start answering some questions. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Hon M.J. CRIDDLE replied: (1)-(3) A report is available, which indicates that this is the primary route required for the area. The information is clearly available. I have property on the eastern side of that area. I used to have property on the western side, but I sold it. There is no question about that; I do not deny it. Members can drive out there and have a look. That road should have been upgraded 30 years ago. It is a vital road for the area.
(3) In case the minister has forgotten the two parts of the earlier question, they asked him specifically whether he could confirm that the Binnu East Road extends to his farming property and that that road has only category C priority, and whether roads identified as priority A and B in the same report still remain unattended to? All members on this side of the House want is for the minister to start answering some questions. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Hon M.J. CRIDDLE replied: (1)-(3) A report is available, which indicates that this is the primary route required for the area. The information is clearly available. I have property on the eastern side of that area. I used to have property on the western side, but I sold it. There is no question about that; I do not deny it. Members can drive out there and have a look. That road should have been upgraded 30 years ago. It is a vital road for the area.
All members on this side of the House want is for the minister to start answering some questions. Opposition members: Hear, hear! Hon M.J. CRIDDLE replied: (1)-(3) A report is available, which indicates that this is the primary route required for the area. The information is clearly available. I have property on the eastern side of that area. I used to have property on the western side, but I sold it. There is no question about that; I do not deny it. Members can drive out there and have a look. That road should have been upgraded 30 years ago. It is a vital road for the area.
Hon M.J. CRIDDLE replied: (1)-(3) A report is available, which indicates that this is the primary route required for the area. The information is clearly available. I have property on the eastern side of that area. I used to have property on the western side, but I sold it. There is no question about that; I do not deny it. Members can drive out there and have a look. That road should have been upgraded 30 years ago. It is a vital road for the area.
(1)-(3) A report is available, which indicates that this is the primary route required for the area. The information is clearly available. I have property on the eastern side of that area. I used to have property on the western side, but I sold it. There is no question about that; I do not deny it. Members can drive out there and have a look. That road should have been upgraded 30 years ago. It is a vital road for the area.

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