- First sod turned for new access road into Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area (SIA)
- Oakajee SIA will become a globally competitive clean energy industries precinct
- The $20 million road project will include major upgrades to North West Coastal Highway
The Cook Labor Government has today broken ground on a major road project which will provide critical access to the future Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area.
The Oakajee SIA will become a major hub and job-creator for Western Australia's clean energy future.
The $20 million project will include a new intersection at North West Coastal Highway, construction of the first stage of the access road, and around four kilometres of highway widening in the area, with new acceleration and deceleration lanes.
The new access road is a major milestone for the Oakajee SIA, which will position WA as a global renewable energy powerhouse.
The upgrades will support heavy freight movements in and out of the industrial area and are due for completion next year.
The Oakajee SIA is located around 20km north of Geraldton and is recognised for its world-class wind and solar potential, making it ideal for clean energy industries.
As stated by Premier Roger Cook:
"My Government is delivering on our commitment to build a major clean energy jobs precinct at Oakajee.
"This project is one of the Strategic Industrial Areas we're developing across the State, to diversify the WA economy and create thousands of jobs.
"We're building our regions and establishing our State as a global renewable energy powerhouse."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"Ensuring we have the road infrastructure to support our strategic industrial areas is absolutely critical.
"Without the infrastructure to support the efficient and safe movement of freight, these industrial areas simply wouldn't function, which is why our Government is investing in these types of projects and unlocking private sector development.
"The new intersection and access road will be vital for our heavy freight vehicles operating in the area. The State Government remains committed to freight productivity and road safety and we're pleased to be part of a project which will bring so much to the MidWestregion.
"With an abundance of solar and wind energy in the surrounding region, Oakajee represents one of the most import strategic industrial areas, as the State seeks to harness its enormous renewable energy potential and create more long-term jobs."
As stated by Geraldton MLA Lara Dalton:
"The Oakajee Strategic Industrial Area is one of the most important economic projects being delivered in the Mid West and will create long-term employment for the Geraldton community long into the future.
"Geraldton and the surrounding region have the potential to be a world-leading renewable energy hub, and our Government is investing in the infrastructure to make that a reality."
