Criticism over neglected Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road as record road funding was announced by State Government

Pleas for regional road upgrades are being ignored, according to the Member for Geraldton, in the wake of the Cook Government’s record funding package for safer roads across WA.

A record funding injection of $57 million to support more than 100 projects across the State was announced by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti and Road Safety Minister Reece Whitby at the end of July.

The funding will be allocated to the 2025-26 State Black Spot Program and Safer Roads Program and includes 54 roads in regional WA, including $221,000 for the Northampton Kalbarri Road, $263,847 for Eastward Road-Pass Street-Rifle Range Road and $1.76 million for Eastward Road-Flores Road.

Geraldton MLA Kirrilee Warr said while funding for the City of Greater Geraldton and Shire of Northampton was welcomed, it was disappointing to see other major roads in the region ignored.

“The road improvements within the area are welcomed, but there are important projects that have been missed,” she said.

“$225m is what was needed to make all the safety improvements recommended for Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road, and not a cent was included in this announcement.

“When will the State Government acknowledge this is a road that is in desperate need of upgrades to ensure safety for the Geraldton and wider Mid West communities?”

The Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road was included in the RAC’s top 10 most risky regional roads, described as having poor surface quality, sharp turns and lacking overtaking opportunities.

In response to Ms Warr’s comments, a State Government spokesperson said more than $31 million had been invested on the road since July 2023 through the Regional Road Safety Program, and it was not included in the recent funding announcement as the State Black Spot Program was aimed towards smaller road projects.

“A significant amount of investment has been made on the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road in recent years,” the spokesperson said.

“The Government will continue to invest in the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road in the coming years.

“The State Black Spot program is tailored towards smaller projects that help to enhance safety throughout the State. As part of the criteria the maximum cost per project is $3 million.”