Bunbury Outer Ring Road project progressing

An additional $400 million for the construction of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road (BORR), has been committed by the State and Federal Governments (Liberal/National).

Being the biggest transport infrastructure project ever undertaken in the South-West, the updated budget of $1.25 billion will deliver Stages 2 and 3 of the project, with major benefits for the economy both during construction and once in operation.

The Federal Government recently commissioned an independent cost review into the project, which resulted in additional funding being allocated in the Federal Budget.

Rising supply and demand pressures have resulted in recent increases in key costs for the project, including the cost of diesel and bitumen supply, which have increased by 60 and 20 per cent respectively over the past 12 months.

This additional investment addresses cost pressures and allows local businesses to continue to participate in the project, with around $450 million in targeted local spend.

A further $30 million worth of opportunities for Aboriginal businesses is available as part of the project.

Completed in 2014, the northern section extends from Forrest Highway in the north near Australind, to the northern end of the project's first stage. It includes: • interchanges at Paris Road/Clifton Road,

Raymond Road and South Western

Highway (north); • a bridge taking the project over Golding

Crescent, Ferguson River, the freight rail line, and Boyanup-Picton Road, along with twin bridges over the Collie River; • an intersection at Discovery Road; • intersection improvements for Stage 1; and • 20.8 kilometres of local roads to enhance local access, and allow for future commercial and urban development.

The southern section, which is still subject to environmental approvals, is proposed to extend from the southern end of the project's first stage, to Bussell Highway south of Bunbury. It includes: • a roundabout at Lillydale Road; • a bridge over the road at Yalinda

Drive for local connectivity and an interchange at Bussell Highway; • 13 kilometres of local roads; and • significant additional measures to mitigate environmental impacts.

This means that the interchanges at Discovery Road and Lillydale Road will be constructed using an at-grade intersection and roundabout respectively and the existing corridor in the central section will be retained.

The project will provide a safe and efficient road network for traffic travelling into and around Bunbury, avoiding 13 sets of traffic lights and one rail level crossing.

It will ensure more efficient traffic movements for the freight transport industry and improved safety for nearby residents due to less trucks using local roads.

R U OK? and Healthy Heads in Truck & Sheds have teamed up to ensure those in the road transport, warehousing and logistics industries know when and how to meaningfully connect and genuinely ask “are you OK?”

Life’s ups and downs happen to us all, but those working in our can sector face unique challenges.

One thing we can all do is drive conversations with our workmates who might be doing it tough, to help them feel connected and supported at work. Access FREE resources including ‘Your toolbox for driving R U OK? conversations in your workplace’ and ‘Your guide to having an R U OK? conversation’ at healthyheads.org.au/ruok This campaign is funded by the Heavy Vehicle Safety Initiative, supported by the Federal Government.