Published on Thursday, 12 May 2022 at 4:04:32 PM

Much-needed upgrades to Thomas Road are closer to eventuating with the McGowan Labor Government today announcing the inclusion of $145 million in its 2022/23 State Budget towards a major upgrade of Thomas Road.

The State Government funding represents 50% of the $290 million required, with the Federal Government committing $145 million in its 2022/23 Budget last month.

The funding commitment from the State Government means the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale is one step closer to realising safer and less congested local roads, and ensuring local infrastructure caters for the ever-increasing population in the area.

Shire President Cr Michelle Rich welcomed this commitment to local infrastructure in the State Budget.

“The State Government has been a strong supporter of road investment in our region over recent years as evidenced by this recent funding. We are delighted with this result after many discussions with Transport, Planning and Ports Minister Rita Saffioti, our local MLA, Hugh Jones and Matthew Swinbourn MLC” Cr Rich said.

The upgrades to Thomas Road will include:

• Building a new grade separated interchange at the intersection of Tonkin Highway and Thomas Road;
• Duplicating approximately 2.8 kilometres of Thomas Road east of Tonkin Highway toward the South Western Highway; and
• Including 2.8 kilometres of new Principal Shared Path along the southern verge of Thomas Road.

Cr Rich said while they were pleased with these commitments from both the State and Federal Governments, the Council hoped to also receive support from the Federal Labor Party for the Thomas Road funding.

“This project needs to be high on the agenda for Federal Government, regardless of whether a Liberal or Labor party is in power following the election next weekend," Cr Rich said.

"Road safety consistently rates as one of the highest areas of community concern and it has been the Shire’s number one priority in lobbying both levels of Government.

"It is imperative these upgrades happen on Thomas Road as our ageing road network is not suitable for the current volume of traffic.”

Cr Rich called on the Federal Labor Party to also commit to the $145 million investment should they form Government after the Federal Election.

“It would be disappointing to have come so close to this project happening and then not be supported by an incoming Government. The Shire will continue to lobby on behalf of the region as we are determined this project will proceed," Cr Rich said.

When asked what residents in the Shire could do to show their support for safer roads via the Thomas Road upgrades, Cr Rich urged residents to raise the issue with their Federal Election candidates.

“The more people who mention the upgrades to candidates, the more likely the project will stay on their radar and reinforce it is important to the region.”

View the Shire’s full list of Federal Government Election Priorities and Requests

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