SW residents raise concerns over ring road

About 250 Gelorup residents have voiced their concerns over the proposed and highly-anticipated Bunbury Outer Ring Road.

The group of residents held a public meeting last week following growing concerns the bypass road would go straight through suburban streets, resulting in an increase in traffic, noise and safety issues.

Resident Jeff McDougall told the South Western Times that residents hoped Planning Minister Rita Saffioti and Main Roads WA would see “common sense”.

“A bypass should be a bypass, not pushed through suburbs,” Mr McDougall said.

“We’re hoping the Minister will see common sense and push it away from the suburbs.”

The proposal is still in planning stages with several routes being considered following a $12.5 million funding injection last year.

Main Roads WA has created two community reference groups as part of its consultation phase and nominations for both close this Thursday.

“During 2018 and 2019 we will work with all key stakeholders to discuss project issues and minimise potential impacts, including environmental, heritage (Indigenous and European), social and economic impacts,” a Main Roads statement said.

Capel Shire Council is tomorrow night expected to endorse its representatives for Main Roads’ Bunbury Outer Ring Road Local Governments Advisory Group.