A new corridor for the southern section of the future Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton (DGN) Route has been chosen following extensive community and landowner feedback.
Initial planning identified a preferred route corridor between Dongara and Geraldton that largely followed the Arthur Road alignment near the Walkaway townsite.
The new proposal will see the route deviate eastwards around the main Walkaway townsite before reconnecting with the previous alignment at Moonyoonooka, reducing impacts on homes, and addressing access and severance concerns raised by the Walkaway community.
As a result of the latest planning investigations, the number of dwellings south of Moonyoonooka within the investigation corridor has reduced significantly from ten to four.
Main Roads will continue to work with landowners in the coming weeks to discuss ways to mitigate any potential impacts.
Given the positive community feedback on the proposed corridor north of Moonyoonooka and south of Mount Horner Road West, no changes are planned in these areas.
Planning around Moonyoonooka has also highlighted the potential for a traveller centre or road train assembly area, presenting an opportunity to recognise local history and Moonyoonooka's role as a community hub.
Main Roads will continue discussions with the current owner of the Moonyoonooka Store.
This planning work is being undertaken as part of the DGN Alignment Selection Study, which aims to identify a 500 metre route corridor to accommodate a 100 metre-wide road reservation, to be defined as part of a future planning phase.
Once a final preferred corridor has been finalised and approved by the State Government, Main Roads will include the route in strategic statutory planning documentation to provide landowners greater certainty.
Construction of this future route is subject to funding, although the section north of Geraldton is considered a priority. Construction of the southern section between Dongara and Geraldton is not expected until at least 2035.
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"I've visited Geraldton several times and met with local landowners who were concerned about the impact the original route would have on their properties.
"I am pleased that we have taken on board community and stakeholder feedback, and made changes to this route that will mean less impacts on local residents and the local community.
"Main Roads will continue to work with landowners on the new proposed alignment to help mitigate any potential issues."
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"The Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton Route has been talked about for many years and I'm pleased the McGowan Government is getting on with the job of planning for this important piece of future infrastructure.
"This new route will give more clarity and confidence to the local community and landowners moving forward."
