Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie has slammed Labor’s decision to delay construction of the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation by 18-months.
As part of Labor’s Federal Budget, funding for Stages 1 and 2 has been pushed back, meaning the project won’t get underway until at least 2026.
Mr Hastie said he was appalled by the decision.
“With community support, I secured $200 million from the former Coalition government for the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation, which would divert hundreds of trucks away from the centre of town every day,” Mr Hastie said.
“It’s shocking that within just months of forming government, Labor is already slamming the brakes on projects in Canning.
“I was recently in Pinjarra while a heavy load passed through - not only does it bring traffic to a standstill, but it also poses a great safety risk. It is frustrating that projects aimed at making our roads safer are being put on the backburner by this government.
“I’m calling on Labor to reconsider its decision to delay the Pinjarra Heavy Haulage Deviation and get this project off the ground as quickly as possible.”
Nearly 700 trucks travel through Pinjarra each day.
The project would see a deviation road constructed from the Greenlands Road intersection to the South Western Highway, keeping trucks out of the town centre.
The Federal Transport Minister has been contacted for comment.
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