Highway upgrade remains on track

MORE than 100 community members from Southend and Beachport turned out to attend recent public information sessions on the upcoming reconstruction of the Southern Ports Highway, demonstrating strong local interest and overwhelming support for the project.

The upgrade, jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments through the $168 million Road Safety Program, will see a 13.8 km section of the highway, between the Southend turn-off and the Beachport outlet fully reconstructed.

The reconstruction will be undertaken by Wattle Range Council on behalf of the Department for Infrastructure and Transport.

Wattle Range CEO Ben Gower said community feedback had been largely positive, with residents recognising the long-term benefits this critical upgrade will bring including improved road safety, improved tourism, and a better road.

In Beachport, some community members expressed concerns about the potential impact of detours on local tourism and business during construction.

In response to those concerns, council is now taking steps to ensure this infrastructure upgrade also serves as an opportunity for increased visitation to Beachport.

Council is inviting residents, local businesses, and community organisations to contribute ideas and feedback on initiatives to strengthen tourism and support local businesses in Beachport.

“This is an opportunity to not only boost Beachport’s appeal as a vibrant and welcoming destination,” Mr Gower said. “We want to hear directly from our community on how best to achieve this.”

Council is forming a dedicated Beachport Tourism Working Group and to support the work of this group, council has also launched a short community survey to gather ideas and feedback on tourism activation and support for local businesses.

Community members are encouraged to participate and share their vision for the township’s future.

Feedback gathered through the survey will help inform the focus of the Beachport Tourism Working Group, ensuring the group’s work reflects the needs and aspirations of the broader community.

“This project is a huge step forward for our region. It’s not just about the road, it’s about our building the capacity of our region,” Mr Gower said. “While we understand any disruption is difficult, we ask residents to consider the long-term benefit. A safer, high-quality road is something we all deserve.

“We are looking to minimise the impact of the road upgrade to our community, that is one reason why we are pausing the project during the peak summer holiday period to support local tourism and ease community impact.

“We welcome all feedback, and I encourage the Beachport community to have their say and fill in the short survey.

“The upgrade will also provide a welcome boost to the local workforce, with regional contractors and additional staff joining Council’s construction crews for the duration of the project.”

“This is about delivering a safer road, creating local jobs, and building a stronger future for the Wattle Range area.”