Published on Monday, 16 December 2024 at 4:07:08 PM

The Shire of Dardanup welcomes yesterday’s official opening of the Wilman Wadandi Highway (Bunbury Outer Ring Road), after four years of construction.

Shire President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner said while the highway is not a Shire-led project, it has supported its development from the beginning. Despite the significant traffic disruptions it brought to the community and the impact on landholders in and alongside the highway corridor it is a positive for the region.

"This transformative infrastructure project will bring opportunities to our region and aligns with the Shire's vision for future growth," Cr Gardiner said.

“The Shire eagerly anticipates the benefits the new highway will deliver, from improved connectivity to major opportunities for economic growth and community development.”

Cr Gardiner said the project, delivered by Main Roads WA in partnership with the South West Gateway Alliance and supported through Federal Government funding, is expected to unlock significant economic potential, particularly within the Shire's Waterloo Industrial Precinct — a 1,356-hectare area primed for industrial development.

“Our Waterloo Industrial precinct will feature cutting-edge facilities, including an Intermodal Terminal, an Innovation and Advanced Manufacturing Hub, and a Hydrogen Refueling Facility with Ultra-Fast Charging Stations,” Cr Gardiner said.

“The highway will also play a critical role in supporting the delivery of the Wanju District Structure Plan, which envisions a thriving new city with 15,000-20,000 homes and a population of 45,000-65,000 residents.

“This growth will contribute to the Greater Bunbury region's population, projected to reach 200,000 by 2050.”

Cr Gardiner said the Shire had been a proactive supporter of the highway since its inception, working with the State Government to manage the impacts on our community as much as possible.

"We’ve been committed to making this vision a reality from the start, facilitating community engagement and laying the groundwork for this critical infrastructure to proceed,” Cr Gardiner said.

Cr Gardiner also acknowledged the contributions of key stakeholders, including retiring Federal Member for Forrest, Nola Marino MP, for her advocacy and funding efforts, as well as Federal and State Governments for bringing this project to completion.

The Shire of Dardanup President Cr Tyrrell Gardiner near a section of the
new Wilman Wadandi Highway (Bunbury Outer Ring Road), which
officially opened yesterday.

Media contact: Tahnia Creedon, Communications Officer | tahnia.creedon@dardanup.wa.gov.au | 0436 942 509.

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