Highway upgrade still on Premier's agenda

Premier Colin Barnett’s day trip to the Collie-Preston electorate on Tuesday included an inspection of the notorious Coalfields Highway.

Liberal candidate for Collie-Preston Jaimee Motion said she was confident a Liberal Government would deliver further upgrades to the dangerous road.

“It was a great opportunity to show the Premier the upgrades which have already taken place under this Government, but I also stressed the importance of further investment in this critical road,” Ms Motion said.

“If elected, I’ll be pushing for further climbing lane works connecting the two existing climbing lanes at the western end of the highway.

“It would require a major funding commitment, but I’ll also be pushing for the widening of the road for a significant stretch either side of the Worsley turnoff.’’

The Premier said the Liberal Government had committed $15 million to the highway.

Collie-Preston MLA Mick Murray said the Premier had promised $20 million at the last election but had only spent $14 million.

“The promise was the money would be spent in the first 3½ years of government and here we are, nearly four years later, and we’re having the same money promised again,” he said.

The Premier also attended a community forum in Eaton, Tuart Forest Primary School in Dalyellup and the Collie Shire Council.