South West Gateway Alliance to handle $852M WA project

South West Gateway Alliance lands biggest infrastructure project in WA's Southwest.

A consortium of major players in infrastructure have been announced to deliver new connections on the Bunbury Outer Ring Road project.

The ambitious project is expected to improve freight capacity for road transport companies on a four-lane, 27 kilometre road linking Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway and South Western Highway.

It’s been described as the biggest infrastructure project ever to be undertaken in Western Australia’s Southwest.

Construction will be completed by South West Gateway Alliance, a consortium made up of Acciona, NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon.

Local employment and business opportunities are a priority for the $852 million project with a target spend of $300 million set to encourage and maximise local South-West industry participation.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government had made it a priority to fast-track regional projects that were ready to start to get money flowing into jobs and businesses as soon as possible.

“Our focus is getting people back into work quickly, which is why we allocated $1.5 billion to prioritise shovel-ready projects and targeted road safety works that can provide a boost to the economy and support jobs immediately,” he said.

“We are investing in our post-pandemic future by delivering lasting infrastructure which will kick-start our economic recovery and benefit Australians for years to come,” said McCormack.

“The Australian Government’s $100 billion, 10-year infrastructure pipeline will support our economy and create jobs, particularly for those in the construction and manufacturing industries.”

WA Premier Mark McGowan said his Government was investing in major transport infrastructure projects to help kick-start the economy as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.

“We are building Western Australia’s economy back up from the pandemic by embarking on Building for Tomorrow, the biggest transport infrastructure program WA has seen,” he said.

“Investing in well-planned transport projects will keep the Greater Bunbury region moving and boost its status as a major economic regional centre while providing better road infrastructure for locals and visitors.

“The project will deliver significant benefits for the economy both during its construction and once in operation, unlocking thousands of local jobs.”

Tourism is also expected to benefit with travel times heading south estimated to be reduced by 15 minutes.

Jointly-funded with the Australian Government contributing 80 per cent ($681.6 million) and the State Government contributing 20 per cent ($170.4 million), the project has been planned for a number of years.

The South West Alliance will commence detailed design while the State and Commonwealth environmental approvals processes continue.

 

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