Published on Thursday, 2 July 2026 at 10:07:53 AM

The Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale has welcomed the State Government's approval to reallocate more than $8.8 million in election commitment funding towards priority road upgrades, ensuring critical works can proceed while preserving funding for the future Kargotich Road and Abernethy Road roundabout.

The approved reallocation reflects changing traffic conditions across the Shire following the commencement of the Tonkin Highway Extension project, which has significantly increased traffic volumes along several local roads serving as key detour routes.

Shire President Rob Coales said the approval demonstrated a practical and collaborative approach between the Shire and State Government to address the community's most immediate transport needs.

"As our community continues to grow, it's important we remain responsive to changing circumstances and invest where the need is greatest," President Coales said.

"The Tonkin Highway Extension has fundamentally changed traffic movements across our local road network. This approval allows us to address the roads currently experiencing the greatest pressure, while ensuring funding remains available to deliver the Kargotich Road and Abernethy Road roundabout once construction can be undertaken safely."

Under the approved funding reallocation:
• $5 million will be invested in the rehabilitation and widening of Masters Road between Rowley Road and Thomas Road.
• $3.75 million will support rehabilitation and widening of Abernethy Road between Hopkinson Road and Kargotich Road.
• $520,000 will fund temporary pavement repairs along Kargotich Road between Orton Road and Gossage Road to maintain safe operating conditions during the Tonkin Highway Extension works.

The State Government has also approved the retention of $8.25 million to construct the Kargotich Road and Abernethy Road roundabout once the Tonkin Highway Extension project is complete, while enabling important preliminary works to continue for the future Orton Road and Gossage Road roundabouts.

President Coales thanked Deputy Premier and Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti, local Member Hugh Jones MLA, and the State Government for recognising the importance of maintaining a safe and efficient local road network during one of the region's largest infrastructure projects.

"This outcome ensures our community continues to benefit from the State's investment while giving the Shire the flexibility to deliver the right projects at the right time," he said.

"Working in partnership with the State Government allows us to respond to changing conditions and continue improving the road network our residents, businesses and visitors rely on every day."

The Shire will now work with Main Roads WA to finalise the funding arrangements for presentation to Council to enable delivery of the approved projects.

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