SW truck increases raise concern

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray has raised concerns about Bunge Australia's plan to increase the number of trucks travelling from the Wheatbelt to Bunbury Port.

Bunge Australia general manager Chris Aucote said the company was optimistic it would export about 500,000 tonnes of grain from the port during the upcoming harvest, which begins in November.

"It's a real possibility that Bunge Australia will double the number of shipments out of Bunbury Port from seven in our first year of operation to 14 in the next harvest season," he said.

Mr Aucote said work had begun at storage sites at Arthur River and Kukerin and they would be completed in October.

He said it was "logical" that there would be an increase in the number of trucks going from the Wheatbelt to the Bunbury Port.

Mr Murray said there was concern within the community about the increase in the number of trucks travelling from the storage sites to the port.

"I think this concerns the community especially between Arthur River and Collie because there are not enough passing lanes," he said.

"I've had a number of people ringing and emailing me about this issue.

"We've seen cars and trucks collide around the State and I'd hate to see it happen here."

Main Roads spokesman Dean Roberts said Bunge Australia had kept it informed about the storage sites.

"Given the business model is road-based, the expectation is for more heavy vehicle movements between the Wheatbelt and Bunbury Port," he said.

"Overall, the additional increase in heavy vehicle movements is within the capacity of the existing road."

Mr Roberts said Main Roads had invested more than $50 million in road upgrades on the Coalfields Highway and work was being planned to upgrade sections of the highway at Gibbs Siding, Bowelling Curves and Arthur River.

"In addition, extensive shoulder sealing has been undertaken between Collie and Arthur River," he said.

Mr Murray said he would like Bunge Australia to increase its storage capacity at Bunbury Port or consider using rail as a way of decreasing the number of trucks travelling from the storage sites to the port.

Editorial, page 12