The Bunbury Outer Ring Road has reached a major milestone seeking expressions of interest from industry for its design and construction.
The $852 million project includes constructing the remaining stages of a 27-kilometre high-standard link connecting Forrest Highway near Treendale to Bussell Highway and creating a new road network for the long term - building for a growing economy and the future development of the Greater Bunbury region.
The proposed scope of the project includes:
- a new four-lane rural freeway-standard road;
- grade separated interchanges at Forrest Highway, Raymond Road, South Western Highway, Wireless Road, Willinge Drive, Centenary Road/Lillydale Road and Bussell Highway;
- bridge river crossings at Collie River, Ferguson River, and Preston River;
- two rail crossings;
- local government road connections; and
- a path for cyclists and pedestrians along the entire length of the road.
A key focus of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road is to provide employment and business opportunities for local workers and businesses in Bunbury and the wider South-West region.
Bunbury Outer Ring Road is scheduled to begin construction in early 2021, subject to all environmental and heritage approvals being obtained from the relevant Commonwealth and State regulatory authorities.
The procurement of major construction contracts can take around 12 months to complete - hence why the process is now underway.
Bunbury Outer Ring Road is jointly funded by the Commonwealth ($681.6 million) and State ($170.4 million) governments.
More information on the procurement process is available at http://www.tenders.wa.gov.au
As stated by Federal Regional Development Minister Hon. Michael McCormack:
"Investing in well-planned transport projects will keep the Bunbury area moving and boost its status as a major economic regional centre.
"Our commitment to progressing this vital piece of road infrastructure is another step in relieving pressure on Bunbury's existing road network - separating local traffic from regional and heavy vehicles, which in turn, will support economic activity.
"The Bunbury Outer Ring Road project will improve supply chain efficiency, safety, amenity and strengthen Bunbury's position as a regional hub and tourist destination for the South-West region."
As stated by Western Australian Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"A key focus of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road is to provide employment and business opportunities for local workers and businesses in Bunbury and the wider South-West region.
"Aboriginal participation will be mandated with targets put in place for both Aboriginal employment and engagement of Aboriginal businesses.
"An industry briefing will take place next month to help local businesses understand the procurement process and help us to understand local capacity and capability to ensure local companies are well placed to take up the opportunities the project will present."
As stated by Member for Forrest Nola Marino:
"The Australian Government's $682 million funding commitment was critical to this project being delivered. I have been working on this for several years.
"This project will generate significant economic and employment opportunities in the South-West. It is vital that local businesses and workers benefit as much as possible from these opportunities, including through maximising local procurement and employment."
As stated by Bunbury MLA Don Punch:
"This is a once in a generation project for Bunbury that will provide much needed jobs as well as permanent infrastructure for our community, so it is really pleasing to see it move one step closer to the commencement of construction.
"I encourage all local businesses working in this area to attend the briefing session and take advantage of the opportunities this project offers."
