Works to improve the safety of truck routes and efficiency of supply through the Wheatbelt have begun after decades of discussions, with the Deputy Prime Minister launching the $87.5 million Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network road upgrade program last week.
Following ongoing discussions, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Wheatbelt Inc took the reigns of the project and engaged with road groups to create a collaborative solution to the issue.
The WSFR group, supported by all 42 local governments within the Wheatbelt region, is made up of representatives from the Wheatbelt North Regional Road Group, the Wheatbelt South Regional Road Group, Regional Development Australia (RDA) Wheatbelt Inc, WA Local Government Association (WALGA), Main Roads WA and the Wheatbelt Development Commission.
At the project launch in Mogumber on Wednesday, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the program would improve road reliability and better connect industry to markets.
"These upgrades will better connect businesses to domestic and international markets via Western Australia's key ports, improving freight productivity and offering greater opportunities for business growth in the Wheatbelt region," he said.
"They are part of the Australian Government's $4.5 billion Roads of Strategic Importance initiative - a 10-year investment into the nation's key freight roads."
The Mogumber-Yarawindah upgrade will widen 2.75 kilometres of road and extend drainage culverts.
WA Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti said the state had allocated record funding towards regional roads and identified a schedule of priority Wheatbelt road projects.
"These upgrades will complement our work on the draft Revitalising Agricultural Region Freight Strategy," she said.
"The McGowan Government has also worked closely with regional local governments to develop the program of Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network's investment priorities.
"The funding announced today will help ensure the Wheatbelt's crucial transport supply chains continue to improve, helping this key agricultural area to prepare for growth in trade."
Roadworks in Quairading and Victoria Plains are the first to take place as part of the project.
Durack MP Melissa Price said the network comprised of 4,400 kilometres of roads and the program had identified 53 strategic freight routes requiring upgrade.
"Most of the roads that large freight vehicles are permitted to use in the region are narrow, unsealed and unsuited for large volumes of heavy vehicle traffic, so the start of works on the Mogumber- Yarawindah road couldn't be timelier," she said.
"The projects will support local industries and the regional and remote communities located along the network, ensuring they have reliable access to essential services including healthcare and education."
With over 50 people in attendance at the project launch, Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network group chairman Rick Storer applauded the collaborative approach that worked towards a common goal.
"All participants, including the 42 Wheatbelt Shires, are to be congratulated on their active participation in this program that has been recognised as the biggest local government collaboration in Australia," he said.
"The launch is the culmination of years of hard work and commitment from a number of volunteers and groups.
"On behalf of the Wheatbelt shires, residents and businesses I express our thanks and appreciation."
The $87.5 million Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network program is jointly funded.
In March 2019 the Federal Government announced a $70 million commitment through the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative and the WA state government and the 42 Wheatbelt local governments have committed $17.5 million,
A successful Regional Economic Development (RED) grant of $100,000 has also been secured towards a Project Manager to coordinate the program.
The Australian Government has committed $800,000 towards the $1 million Mogumber-Yarawindah road upgrade, with the remainder provided by the Western Australian Government and local government bodies.
RDA Wheatbelt director Mandy Walker said the collaborative approach was presented at the Australian Regional Development Conference in QLD, the SEGRA Conference in NSW and the RDA Forum in Canberra in 2019.
The WSFN working group was also recognised at the 2019 WA Regional Achievement & Community Awards by winning the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries 'Making a Difference' Award.