MLC takes up road concerns

South West MLC Colin Holt is concerned about a perceived lack of transparency, consultation and communication regarding the proposed Bunbury Outer Ring Road project.

Mr Holt said he had been contacted by a number of constituents who were concerned about the impact of the project.

“There is community concern around environmental, economic and social impacts of the proposed alignment, particularly in relation to the southern section of the project that will go through Woods Road in Gelorup and direct traffic onto Yalinda Drive and Hastie Road,” he said.

Mr Holt said he had written to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti asking that community concerns be addressed and urging a transparent approach to further community consultation.

“It is incredibly poor form that the Minister is unwilling to meet with stakeholders or listen to the legitimate concerns of local residents,” he said.

“I will continue to pursue these matters on behalf of the local community to get the answers that we need.”

Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said an extensive community and stakeholder engagement program had been under way since earlier this year.

“Economic and social impacts are considered as part of the road planning process,” he said.

“These have been considered as part of the submission process to Infrastructure Australia and during the Alignment Selection Study.

“All of these documents are readily available and have been discussed with the Community Reference Groups. Four community information drop in sessions will be held in October.”

Ms Saffioti was unavailable for comment.