Community Engagement Critical to Project

The seven kilometre Margaret River Perimeter Road extends from Airport Access Road north of Margaret River to the Bussell Highway south of Margaret River. Improvement works are underway to provide an alternative, high standard route for heavy vehicles around the town of Margaret River. This work will also improve traffic flow on Bussell Highway, increasing transport efficiency and reducing travel times for road users.

Construction of Stage Two followed a significant program of community and stakeholder engagement. The aim was to generate support for the project and assure all stakeholders that we would manage and mitigate any potential impacts. This involved extensive liaison with local community groups and the residents who would be affected during construction.

Direct contact with residents prior to work commencing provided everyone with a clear understanding of what was occurring during the project and what to expect in terms of the works being delivered and what that might mean for them.

From 2012, a Community Reference Group consisting of residents, interest groups, environmental stakeholders, cycling and walking groups, business organisations and the local Shire was formed.

The Group had input into the design and was responsible for the inclusion of a pedestrian bridge that will separate pedestrian and cyclists from the traffic bridge ultimately improving safety and increasing community amenity. The bridge links to existing trails from town, Darch Book and through to the 10 Mile Dam.

Community activities, such as site visits prior to construction, were critical to gain an understanding of the road footprint and clearing requirements in such an environmentally sensitive area.

In mid-2017 we conducted road alignment walk throughs providing an opportunity to explain the clearing at the entrance to town, and how we would undertake major landscaping and revegetation to beautify the area. In addition, a Shire-wide briefing ensured all staff were aware of the project by generating an understanding of construction processes and project benefits.