Council opposes roundabout upgrades

Opposition is building against the proposed changes to the Eelup roundabout, with Bunbury City Council and South West MLC Adele Farina voicing concerns.

In a unanimous vote at Tuesday night’s meeting, the council said it did not support the proposed upgrades and would make its position clear to Main Roads WA.

The council will also ask to meet Bunbury MLA John Castrilli and Transport Minister Troy Buswell to review the project and discuss alternatives.

Ms Farina said she had been contacted by more than 100 Bunbury residents who had expressed concern with the proposed Eelup upgrades.

‘‘Bunbury residents were promised a flyover in this term of government and they are angry that Colin Barnett and the Member for Bunbury have reneged on this promise,’’ Ms Farina said.

MsFarina said residents deserved a flyover at the notorious roundabout and called on Bunbury MLA John Castrilli to resign if he was unable to fulfil his election commitment.

Mr Castrilli said it was frustrating that Ms Farina continued to keep peddling false information and calling for the resignation of someone who was taking action on a project was absurd.

‘This project has been thoroughly researched and anyone who wants further information should contact Main Roads directly rather than relying on hearsay and misinformation.’’

Mayor David Smith said he was not yet convinced the traffic lights would ease congestion and solve safety issues.

‘‘I’m not an engineer but all my instincts say this is not going to work,’’ he said.

Mr Smith said the Outer Bunbury Bypass was more important than changes to the roundabout and should be the city’s number one priority.