Freight network receives gong
The Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network program has been recognised at the WA Regional Achievement and Community Awards.
WSFN deputy chairwoman and Shire of Brookton president Katrina Crute accepted the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries Making a Difference Award on the behalf of the network in Perth last month.
The program involves 42 local governments, including the Shire of Narrogin, working to deliver more efficient freight movement and safer regional roads.
Ms Crute said she was honoured to accept the award and delighted the program had received recognition from the State.
“Like I said in my acceptance speech on the night, it’s a bit like herding cats — bringing in all these local governments is a big challenge,” she said.
“This program is huge and it’s amazing that we’ve managed to keep all the 42 Shires moving in the same direction for the same common goal.”
The program received $70 million of Federal funding earlier this year, which will go towards upgrading the freight road network and encompassing 4400km of freight road to connect State and national highways.
“It’s a long-term project,” Ms Crute said.
“Stage one is estimated at around $120 million and then we have another three stages to come, with an overall total of about $500 million worth of roadworks, so we’ve got a long way to go yet.”
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