Work on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road has kicked off today, which is expected to provide thousands of local jobs and economic benefits for the Greater Bunbury region.

The South West Gateway Alliance, comprising Acciona, NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon, together with Main Roads, will build the 27-kilometre, four-lane, high-standard road from Forrest Highway near Australind to the Bussell Highway, south of Bunbury.

According to Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, upon completion the project would improve freight capacity, efficiency and productivity across the region. The project which has gone through planning for several years, recognizes the significance of delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South West of Western Australia.

The project, which has been planned for a number of years, recognises the significance of delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South West of Western Australia.

Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is expected to provide relief for local residents by removing freight and regional traffic from local roads while maintaining easy access to Bunbury and other regional destinations.

Western Australia Premier Mark Gowan stated that the $852 million road project, which is part of the $110 billion infrastructure investment plan, is the biggest ever undertaken in South-West. The Bunbury Outer Ring Road is expected to generate significant economic and employment opportunities, projecting 5,680 direct and indirect employment opportunities, benefitting the State and local community.

Western Australian Minister for Transport and Planning Rita Saffioti said the McGowan Government had worked hard to fast-track the project and get shovels in the ground as soon as possible. The government is spending more than $260 million a month on major transport infrastructure projects with $100 million being spend in regional WA.

Promoting and maximising local Aboriginal participation is also a project priority, with a $20 million target spend for Aboriginal businesses and an employment target equivalent to 60 full-time Aboriginal people engaged on the project during its three-year construction period.

The South West Gateway Alliance is committed to sustainably delivering the project by working with the local recycling industry to maximise opportunities to safely reuse waste materials in construction.

The $852 million Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is jointly funded by the Australian ($681.6 million) and Western Australian ($170.4 million) Governments.

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Date Published: 29 January 2021