Meekatharra and Wiluna shires plea for State or Federal governments to step in and seal Goldfields Hwy

The Shire of Meekatharra is joining a neighbouring council in a plea to both the State and Federal governments to stop ignoring calls to seal a rural road in WA’s outback. The Goldfields Highway has a 124km stretch between Meekatharra and Wiluna that remains mostly unsealed and according to both shires, is unsafe and is one of the only highways in Australia that remains unsealed. The road is a major transport route for tourists and an important link for regional communities. The two townships have waited to see the road sealed for more than 60 years, after the railway between Wiluna and Meekatharra was closed in 1958. In March this year, the Shires of Meekatharra and Wiluna received “extremely disappointing” advice from the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Affairs after presenting a petition to Parliament requesting the Legislative Council inquire about sealing the remainder of the highway. The committee said they would not be conducting further inquiries and the issues were being adequately dealt with by relevant authorities. In a submission, Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she “recognised the increased use of the road by heavy vehicles due to increased mining activity and the impact this increased use is having on the unsealed section of the road network”. She acknowledged that “the condition of the unsealed section of the road is rapidly deteriorating due to this increased heavy vehicle usage”. The Shire presidents of Meekatharra and Wiluna will continue to lobby and explore alternative options for the complete sealing of the remaining 124km of unsealed road as its condition continues to deteriorate and accidents continue.