Image: From left – Acting Speaker and Member for Forrestfield, Mr Stephen Price, Minister for Transport and Planning and the Member for West Swan, Honourable Rita Saffioti, City of Kalamunda Mayor Margaret Thomas, Federal Member for Hasluck, the Honourable Ken Wyatt

Attending the opening was Federal Member for Hasluck, the Honourable Ken Wyatt; Acting Speaker and Member for Forrestfield, Mr Stephen Price; Minister for Transport and Planning and the Member for West Swan, Honourable Rita Saffioti.

Cr Thomas thanked her fellow City of Kalamunda Elected Members; City staff who worked on the planning and design and project delivery; and “all the community members who championed these improvements all those years ago and got the ball rolling.”

“The strong community push, along with significant funding contributions from both Federal and State Governments, has resulted in the improvements we now see in front of us.”

The project received significant funding contributions of $646,000 from the Federal Government and $250,000 from State Government.

Civcon Civil & Project Management delivered the improvements which includes two new roundabouts, new pavement treatment on all approaches and streetlighting upgrades.

“The works improve both safety and access and I believe what’s been created will enhance both the usability and amenity for our local community for many years to come.”

It is anticipated the new roundabout will reduce congestion and deliver better traffic flow to better connect the community by providing for a safer and more efficient route through the area.

At the opening, Cr Thomas also acknowledged the difficult times the community is facing locally and nationally as a result of the global pandemic, and their concern surrounding any future impact to our local community with the announcement of the country being in recession last week.

“The City has been preparing for many months to help ease the impacts wherever possible. I know there will be significant challenges ahead as we continue to navigate the local economic and social recovery, but the City is focussed on supporting local people and local businesses for as long as the recovery takes.”

Federal Member for Hasluck, the Hon Ken Wyatt AM MP congratulated all involved in the project and is delighted to see a strong community project completed.

“This upgrade allows local residents and visitors to safely access the shopping centre and surrounding businesses,” Mr Wyatt said.

“The Morrison Government’s commitment to the people of Forrestfield and the $646,000 investment of the total $896,000 project will ensure residents get home sooner and safer.”

State Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she was pleased the State Government could contribute to this important local project.

“The McGowan Government contributed to build the new roundabouts at the Hale Road and Woolworths Drive intersection in Forrestfield,” she said.

“We are undertaking other major projects nearby such as the Metronet Airport Link, Tonkin Highway upgrades, Roe Highway-Kalamunda Road interchange and the Great Eastern Highway bypasses that will help transform the foothills and Perth’s eastern suburbs.”

Forrestfield MLA Stephen Price said the old intersection was a huge frustration for local residents.

“Traffic on Hale Road regularly banked up due to vehicles needing to wait to cross oncoming traffic to enter the busy Forrestfield shopping precinct, causing a significant safety issue.

“The new roundabout might seem a small investment but it will fix a problem all shoppers and all motorists in the Forrestfield area have faced at some point while also improving safety and easing congestion along Hale Road.”

Community members are encouraged to continue supporting and buying local wherever possible.

The City is progressing a number of projects designed to promote economic growth, invigorate neighbourhood and recreational spaces, and to create a safer, connected community. Projects currently open for comment can be accessed at engage.kalamunda.wa.gov.au.

The Hale Road and Woolworths Drive intersection in Forrestfield is just one success story that has resulted from extensive community consultation and the sharing of issues affecting the City.

For more information please contact the City of Kalamunda on 9257 9999, email enquiries@kalamunda.wa.gov.au