Transport Minister Troy Buswell has urged people in Kalgoorlie-Boulder to have their say on the PortLink project.
Mr Buswell encouraged people to attend an information day this Saturday on the planning options for the PortLink project.
The PortLink concept ultimately links Port Hedland, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, Esperance and Geraldton and has the potential to build a stronger and more flexible transport network.
PortLink will include a heavy vehicle bypass road, a freight rail bypass around the town centre and a potential intermodal terminal in Kalgoorlie.
“These projects have the potential to significantly reduce the number of heavy freight vehicles on local roads as well as reduce rail traffic through Kalgoorlie’s city centre,” Mr Buswell said.
“This will result in improved road and rail safety and provide better amenity for the Kalgoorlie-Boulder community.
“There are three options for each of the road, rail and intermodal terminal and I encourage locals to have a say in what would work best for their community.”
The Department of Transport will host the information session on Saturday, October 19 at Markets Arcade, Hannan Street, Kalgoorlie, between 10am and 3pm.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said PortLink could open up Western Australia’s resource rich regions to better economic development opportunities.
“One of the objectives of the PortLink project is to test the feasibility of a regional alternative to Perth as a major distribution point for interstate freight,” Mr Grylls said.
Planning studies for Phase 1 of PortLink are being funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program ($5million) and the Commonwealth Nation Building Program ($2million).
The public consultation period is open from October 7 to November 1.
Information, community comment, forms available at: http://www.transport.wa.gov.au/PortLink
Fact File
Ernst & Young was awarded the PortLink Intermodal Freight Terminal contract
GHD was awarded the PortLink Alignment Selection and Definition Study for realignment of the railway line and heavy vehicle route around Kalgoorlie
The Department of Transport will provide feedback on the community comments received
Transport Minister’s office - 6552 6400
Regional Development Minister's office - 6552 5500
