Nationals WA start petition urging State Government to fix Mid West roads

The WA Nationals have begun a petition urging the State Government to address the conditions of roads in the Mid West.

Parts of Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road, a key haulage route to the Geraldton Port, have been damaged by heavy vehicle use and strong rainfall across the Mid West.

Opposition Leader Shane Love said the condition of roads in the area were deteriorating, and slammed the Government in the process.

“After a wet winter, roads across the Mid West are in a dire state,” Mr Love said.

“Potholes are everywhere, road shoulders are collapsing, and the surface is literally falling apart.

“Yet the Government is standing by without any plan to fix this critical infrastructure.”

Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road was damaged near Tenindewa in June because of heavy rainfall, while residents in Mullewa have been dealing with metre-long potholes in town.

Mr Love said the road played a key part in connecting Mid West areas.

“This road is a lifeline for communities like Mount Magnet, Yalgoo and Mullewa, yet it’s in a shocking state,” he said.

“Rest bays are scarce, safe overtaking lanes are almost non-existent, and the current road conditions are blatantly unsafe.”

Nationals candidate for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr said conditions in Mullewa were the worst she had seen, and she was concerned about the busy tourism season.

“The historic Mullewa town centre has been reduced to a mud hole,” Ms Warr said.

“The road is virtually destroyed in one direction and should be closed, but with a road train passing every six minutes, there’s simply no time for repairs.

“With up to 10,000 visitors expected over the next two months, the mix of tourists, heavy vehicles, and deteriorating roads is a disaster waiting to happen.

Main Roads has been contacted for comment.

Residents looking to sign the petition can do so via the WA Parliament website.