The biggest road project ever delivered in Western Australia's South West, the Bunbury Outer Ring Road, will be named the Wilman Wadandi Highway upon opening.
The highway will be named after the Traditional Owners of the land where the new highway is located, the Wilman and Wadandi people.
The name was determined following consultation with the local Aboriginal and Heritage Advisory Groups, the community and local government authorities.
The announcement of the formal name of the new road comes as the project passes the 86 per cent completion milestone and is anticipated to open later this year.
The project has been a major economic driver for the local economy, with more than $588 million being injected into around 368 local businesses.
Over $48 million has also been allocated to Aboriginal suppliers, while more than 190 local Aboriginal people have received on-the-job training through the project's award winning Yaka Dandjoo program.
The Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is delivering a 27-kilometre, four-lane high-standard road connecting Forrest Highway north of Bunbury, to Bussell Highway south of Bunbury.
The project will make the commute to and from the South West faster, safer and more efficient by removing vehicles travelling to and from the South West from local roads around Bunbury.
It's expected to shave up to 18 minutes travel time off the commute to and from the South West, depending on the destination, road and traffic conditions.
The Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is jointly funded by the Commonwealth Government and Western Australian Government.
As stated by Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"The Wilman Wadandi Highway is the biggest transport infrastructure project ever planned and executed for the South West, which has created significant local economic and job opportunities.
"Recognising and integrating a Noongar name for such an important route, honours the Wilman and Wadandi people and their connection to the land.
"This is vital infrastructure that will provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South West of WA."
Quotes attributed to WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The Wilman Wadandi Highway will fundamentally change the way people move to and from the South West, making the journey faster, safer and more efficient for commuters.
"It will also help to address congestion on local Bunbury roads by removing vehicles that previously used the local road network to reach places like Busselton, Dunsborough and Margaret River.
"The project has delivered a major injection for the local economy by creating thousands of jobs, while more than half a billion dollars has been spent to date with local businesses.
"It's fitting that the name of the road will recognise the Traditional Owners given the incredible outcomes we have seen through the projects award winning Yaka Danjoo program."
Quotes attributed to WA Lands Minister John Carey:
"The naming of the Wilman Wadandi Highway highlights the importance of Aboriginal place naming in Western Australia.
"It ensures we acknowledge and respect the long history and ongoing contribution of Aboriginal people in the region and adds to other approved Aboriginal place names in the state including Bunuba National Park in the Kimberley region and Ngirntaka Point in our Goldfields-Esperance region."
As stated by Senator for Western Australia Varun Ghosh:
"It's fitting that the name of the road will recognise the Traditional Owners.
"The Yaka Danjoo program has provided on-the-job training opportunities to around 190 local Aboriginal people, with 131 going on to gain full time employment as a result."
Quotes attributed to Member for Bunbury Don Punch:
"The new name - Wilman Wadandi Highway - reflects the feedback from the community.
"As a strong advocate for my community, to be able to influence and strengthen community bonds through names with important linkages and meanings like these to our local communities is really important.
"The Wilman Wadandi Highway is a significant project delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South West."
Quotes attributed to Member for Collie-Preston Jodie Hanns:
"The naming of the Wilman Wadandi Highway after the traditional owners of the area is a fitting way to acknowledge the rich Aboriginal cultural heritage of the South West.
"The Wilman Wadandi Highway will not only allow faster travel times for people heading down south from Perth, but it will also mean safer and less busy roads for local roads and local commuters.
"This significant project will transform the way we live, visit and work in our communities."
Quotes attributed to Member for Murray-Wellington Robyn Clarke:
"The Wilman Wadandi Highway represents a major advancement in our infrastructure, enhancing safety and efficiency for the South West region.
"The new name, Wilman Wadandi Highway, was based on valuable community feedback, and reinforces local connections through names that hold significant meaning and relevance."
