Crashes spark calls for safer roads

A spate of crashes in the Capes has prompted people to voice their concerns over the safety of the region’s major roads.

A fatal accident on Bussell Highway and serious crash on Caves Road have led to Vasse MLA Libby Mettam and residents to renew their push for Bussell Highway’s dual carriageway between Busselton and Capel to be made a priority.

They are also calling for a Vasse Dunsborough bypass to be considered to alleviate the pressure on Caves Road.

The Barnett Government sought community consultation on the idea in 2014.

Main Roads began preliminary works on the widening of Bussell Highway in October after several years of community campaigning.

This week, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said duplicating the stretch of highway remained a priority.

“The critical pre-loading project paves the way for construction of a second lane to start when construction of Bunbury Outer Ring Road is ready.”

Ms Mettam said the State Government needed to allocate funding for the remainder of the project immediately.

“The pre-construction works will have to settle for a year and with that in mind, ensuring that the funding is allocated and the works commence in a timely manner on the remainder of the project is an absolute priority,” she said.

“The Government needs to prioritise this busy stretch of road, particularly when they are promoting WA as The Road Trip State.”

Last June, Four Seasons Caravan Park owner Bill Kendall and Siesta Park Holiday Resort director Greg Tickle called for a speed reduction on Caves Road.

Mr Tickle said he supported the idea of a Vasse Dunsborough bypass because it would allow tourists to arrive safely in Dunsborough, without putting local families living on Caves Road in danger.

“It’s a domino effect and we’re finding at the moment the options we have aren’t safe,” he said.

Ms Mettam said the speed limit on Caves Road had been raised with her by residents for several years.

“Thankfully, there were no fatalities in the accident along Caves Road last week but it clearly demonstrates the need for the 90km/h speed to be reviewed during the holiday periods, at least,” she said.

Ms Saffioti said Main Roads would continue to work to resolve network and environmental issues for the Vasse Dunsborough bypass proposal. “The agency will engage with a wider stakeholder group in mid-2020, including landowners and residents, and seek endorsement for the planning review from the Western Australian Planning Commission,” she said.