❓ Hon Rick Mazza raises concerns about the proposed Geraldton-Northampton freight route, focusing on its potential impact on residents, farms, and the environment. The Minister's response indicates further planning and community engagement will occur to minimise impacts.
AnsweredQoN 1275Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
GERALDTON–NORTHAMPTON
FREIGHT ROUTE
1275. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the 5 November 2020
article from the Countryman , ''Dismay over proposed route'',
which describes a midwest farming community with concerns about the proposed
Geraldton–Northampton freight route. People say it threatens to wipe
out homes, cut through farms and destroy native bushland.
(1) What is the
estimated volume of traffic that justifies the construction of a new freight
route?
(2) Will the
proposed haulage route affect access to Walkaway Primary School for students
who live on Arthur Road?
(3) If yes to (2), what measures will
be taken to improve access for students?
(4) Will the proposed haulage route
cut through cropping paddocks?
(5) If yes to
(4), what measures will be taken to allow farming vehicles to cross the haulage
route road?
FREIGHT ROUTE
1275. Hon RICK MAZZA to the minister representing the
Minister for Transport:
I refer to the 5 November 2020
article from the Countryman , ''Dismay over proposed route'',
which describes a midwest farming community with concerns about the proposed
Geraldton–Northampton freight route. People say it threatens to wipe
out homes, cut through farms and destroy native bushland.
(1) What is the
estimated volume of traffic that justifies the construction of a new freight
route?
(2) Will the
proposed haulage route affect access to Walkaway Primary School for students
who live on Arthur Road?
(3) If yes to (2), what measures will
be taken to improve access for students?
(4) Will the proposed haulage route
cut through cropping paddocks?
(5) If yes to
(4), what measures will be taken to allow farming vehicles to cross the haulage
route road?
AnswerView source ↗
I thank the honourable member for
some notice of the question.
(1) Traffic modelling undertaken in 2016 indicated
traffic volume growth of approximately 60 per cent by 2031 along Brand Highway between Dongara and Geraldton
and more than double on North West Coastal Highway north
of Geraldton. In addition to these significant increases, where vehicle numbers
are higher, the mixing of heavy and regular vehicles, and local and regional
traffic presents significant concerns for safety and efficiency.
(2)–(5) As
part of the next stage of strategic planning—alignment definition—Main
Roads will determine further alignment detail. This will consider local access
and other issues with the aim of minimising impacts on landowners. Continuing
community and stakeholder engagement seeks to understand the needs of road
users while identifying solutions to minimise impacts on landowners.
some notice of the question.
(1) Traffic modelling undertaken in 2016 indicated
traffic volume growth of approximately 60 per cent by 2031 along Brand Highway between Dongara and Geraldton
and more than double on North West Coastal Highway north
of Geraldton. In addition to these significant increases, where vehicle numbers
are higher, the mixing of heavy and regular vehicles, and local and regional
traffic presents significant concerns for safety and efficiency.
(2)–(5) As
part of the next stage of strategic planning—alignment definition—Main
Roads will determine further alignment detail. This will consider local access
and other issues with the aim of minimising impacts on landowners. Continuing
community and stakeholder engagement seeks to understand the needs of road
users while identifying solutions to minimise impacts on landowners.
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