Consortium contract awarded for $852M Bunbury Outer Ring Road

A consortium has been announced to construct the $852 million, 27 kilometre Bunbury Outer Ring Road, with a target of $300 million to be spent locally.

The South West Gateway alliance have been named the contractor for the biggest infrastructure project to be undertaken in Western Australia’s South-West.

Comprising Acciona, NRW Contracting, MACA Civil, AECOM and Aurecon, the construction team will build the 27 kilometre, four lane road from Forrest Highway near Australind to Bussell Highway, south of Bunbury.

New connections of Forrest Highway to Bussell Highway and South Western Highway are expected to improve freight capacity, efficiency and productivity across the region. It will also save tourists heading south up to 15 minutes in travel time.

Local employment and business opportunities are a priority for the project with a target spend of $300 million set to encourage and maximise local South-West industry participation.

Promoting and maximising local Aboriginal participation is also a priority for the project. There is a $20 million target spend for Aboriginal businesses and an employment target equivalent to 60 full time Aboriginal people engaged on the project over its three-year construction period.

The South West Gateway Alliance is committed to sustainably delivering the project by working with the local recycling industry to maximise opportunities to safely reuse waste materials in construction.

While State and Commonwealth environmental approvals progress the consortium will commence detailed design.

Premier Mark McGowan said his Government was investing in major transport infrastructure projects to help kick-start the economy as it recovers from the impacts of COVID-19.

“Investing in well-planned transport projects will keep the Greater Bunbury region moving and boost its status as a major economic regional centre while providing better road infrastructure for locals and visitors,” he said.

“The project will deliver significant benefits for the economy both during its construction and once in operation, unlocking thousands of local jobs.”

Assistant Minister for Regional Development and Territories and Member for Forrest Nola Marino said this had been a major project for the South-West region for many years.

“This project has been planned for a number of years, recognising the significance of delivering vital infrastructure to provide a safer and more efficient road system for the South West region of Western Australia,” she said.

“Removing freight and regional traffic from local roads will provide relief for local residents while maintaining easy access to Bunbury and other regional destinations.”

The road is expected to reduce pressure on Bunbury’s local road connections around Glen Iris and the Bunbury Regional Hospital.

The $852 million Bunbury Outer Ring Road project is jointly-funded with the Federal Government contributing 80 per cent ($681.6 million) and the State Government contributing 20 per cent ($170.4 million).

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