WALLAROO ENTRANCE ROAD FIX TO START WITHIN WEEKS

After many years of advocating, Member for Narungga Fraser Ellis MP and Copper Coast Council are excited to announce that funding has been secured to fix the Wallaroo entrance road section of Copper Coast Highway, with works to commence this current financial year.

In a joint project with Copper Coast Council, the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) is planning to undertake pavement rehabilitation and resurfacing works in stages over the next two financial years on the following arterial roads within the Copper Coast Council (Council) at Wallaroo:

• Copper Coast Highway (Kadina Road) Bowmans Road to Athena Drive
• Victoria Street and Mays Crossing Athena Drive to Hughes Street
• Hughes Street (Spencer Highway) May Crossing to Wildman Street
• Irwine Street - Spencer Highway Hughes Street to Ernest Terrace

The first stage will be the Copper Coast Highway (Kadina Road) between Bowman Road and Athena Drive. These works are planned to be delivered within the current financial year.

Copper Coast Council will work with DIT, examine their plans and undertake any necessary drainage, footpath, land/street scaping and road lighting that will be required for any works.

“This is not an election pledge, this is actual committed funding in the current financial year with the Department of Infrastructure stating stage 1 of works are to commence in coming weeks,” Mr Ellis said.

“This is a huge win for local residents, the region, the thousands of tourists who traverse this major entrance thoroughfare annually, and for ambulance drivers with precious cargo who have long avoided this section when possible.

“I commend and congratulate Copper Coast Council on their joint advocacy for improvements for this road, which included Mayor Talbot and I launching a petition in March last year culminating in me presenting it to Parliament last August, calling for this much needed investment.

“Thank you to all who have contacted me about this road since I became the Member for Narungga, and to all who took the time to sign the petition. Our efforts have been rewarded.

“In my first year I accompanied Minister Knoll to the actual roadway, and in the ensuing years took every opportunity in the chamber to highlight the deplorable condition this eyesore road has been in for years, providing a very bad first impression for visitors as well as a rough ride for all.

“Now an appropriate welcome will be given for Wallaroo, in support of the significant growth this town is experiencing with its port and main street upgrade, underway $220 million Wallaroo Shores development adjacent the marina precinct, foray as a cruise ship destination, and as home base for the Lucky Bay ferry service.

“I now very much look forward to seeing these works commence in coming weeks”.

“The Copper Coast Highway is one of the most utilised roads in our region and it is pleasing the Department of Infrastructure and Transport are prioritising these works considering the state of the road,” Copper Coast Mayor Roslyn Talbot said.

“The State Government has heard our voices and we are grateful the Department of Infrastructure has come on board to make this project a reality.

“Great things can be achieved when the different tiers of government work together and this will be another example of a good outcome from a collaborative approach between State and Local Government.

“This road has not been of standard for quite a number of years and we thank Fraser, residents and visitors for their persistence in lobbying to help fix this road, giving the town of Wallaroo the beautiful and safe entrance it deserves.”