New Dongara to Geraldton bypass route to save six dwellings from probable demolition

After years of fighting against the development of a heavy haulage bypass through their community, it appears Walkaway businesses and residents have succeeded in convincing stakeholders to consider an alternative route. The State Government on Wednesday revealed a new corridor for the southern section of the future Dongara-Geraldton-Northampton route has been chosen following extensive community and landowner feedback. Initial planning identified a preferred route corridor between Dongara and Geraldton that largely followed the Arthur Road alignment near the Walkaway townsite. The new proposal will see the route deviate eastwards around the main Walkaway townsite before reconnecting with the previous alignment at Moonyoonooka, reducing impacts on homes, and addressing access and severance concerns raised by the Walkaway community for years. As a result, the number of dwellings south of Moonyoonooka within the investigation corridor has reduced significantly from ten to four. It is understood Main Roads will continue discussions with the current owner of the Moonyoonooka Store. Once a final preferred corridor has been finalised and approved by the State Government, Main Roads will include the route in strategic statutory planning documentation. Construction of this future route is subject to funding and works on the southern section between Dongara and Geraldton is not expected to start until at least 2035.