Luke Simpkins (Cowan, Liberal Party) Share this | Hansard source

I would like to talk about the major arterial route in the electorate of Cowan, that being Wanneroo Road. Wanneroo Road is a major artery in the northern suburbs of Perth, and there are a lot of problems with congestion on this road. This is not just Monday to Friday—this is also on the weekends, particularly at the intersection of Wanneroo Road and Hepburn Avenue. There is a major sporting complex just nearby and that increases loads on the road.

I have raised the issue of congestion on Wanneroo Road on several occasions with state and federal ministers, and I have spoken about it on many occasions here. I am very pleased that the state Minister for Transport, the Hon. Dean Nalder, has listened to me and to the very hardworking state MLA for Kingsley, Andrea Mitchell, and has agreed that the upgrade of the Wanneroo Road and Hepburn Avenue intersection will take place. There will be an increase in the capacity of the intersection, and it will be a great step forward for local people. Again, it is not going to be of benefit just from Monday to Friday—increasing capacity to reduce congestion and waiting times in traffic—it will benefit those using the Kingsway sporting complex. They will see the benefits as well. I look forward to this happening; it is good news for Western Australia—despite the negativity on the opposition benches!

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