The cities of Armadale and Cockburn were calling on the community to support a campaign seeking $290 million from the state and federal governments for major improvements on Armadale Road.
The cities’ two mayors unveiled the community connect south (CCS) campaign on Tuesday which sought $130 million to complete the widening of Armadale Road.
A further $160 million was sought to build a bridge over the freeway to connect directly to North Lake Road.
The projects would address critical road infrastructure needs and avoid the estimated $1 billion cost of congestion by 2020.
Armadale mayor Henry Zelones said there was considerable federal focus on the Armadale area with the upcoming Canning by-election.
“We need our residents’ help to ensure Canberra gets our message that growth, jobs and infrastructure are vital to secure the ongoing prosperity of our communities,” he said.
“This project will help link the fast growth that is occurring in the south-east (Armadale) corridor with the higher employment opportunities in the south-west (Cockburn) corridor.
“We want people to join us in advocating for this community to ensure our voice is heard.”
Mr Zelones said intersections along Armadale Road like the Nicholson Road intersection should have been upgraded 10 years ago.
Cockburn mayor Logan Howlett said the cities were at a critical juncture.
“This vital $290 million investment in road infrastructure will not take place for many years to come if we do not galvanise support now,” he said.
“Engaging with our respective communities is the first step to gaining support for a project that will benefit everyone.”
Armadale chief executive Ray Tame said this project stood up as one of the most important in outer metro Perth.
“When we go over and knock on the doors in Canberra they’re always looking at projects of $700 million, $1 billion, $500 million over in the eastern states,” he said.
“It’s hard to get ours up on the agenda but we’ve got one here that pushes all those same buttons as those in the eastern states.”
The campaign was being developed for next year’s federal election but was brought forward when the by-election was announced.
Residents were encouraged to write to their local members urging them to support the project. Visit www.ccsouth.info
