B-Double Access for Parawa Farmers
B-double access has been discussed for a long time but during our strategic planning process we heard loud and clear, direct from our farmers, that they want B-Double access to enable them to get produce and stock to and from their properties as quickly and cost effectively as possible.
At the July Council Meeting we had a deputation from one of our larger farming properties that quantified their need for B-Double access. For their enterprise alone, it would mean a saving of $51,321 in transport costs and a reduction of vehicle movements from 113 to 74 on our roads.
Main South Road is an already approved 23m B-Double route via permit from the Department Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI). To join up to this route Council has endorsed the future B-Double truck use of Range Road (within our Council boundary) to the Cole Road/Main South Road intersection, with a view to providing permits for up to 12-months once the appropriate turning assessments are completed to allow our farming community at Parawa access to move stock and fodder in a more viable and efficient way.
Agriculture is one of the main economic drivers for the district and is the largest provider of jobs, so it’s imperative that we support this sector.