Fund our Future cities tell Federal Govt

SEVERAL outer-suburb councils are joining together and calling on the Federal Government to fund the Fund our Future campaign.

The campaign wants the government to supply funds to build more infrastructure for fast-growing outer suburbs to combat the congested roads in the daily commute and busy public transport systems.

The National Growth Areas Alliance (NGAA) is backing the campaign and several local governments including Gosnells, Armadale, Cockburn and Wanneroo are part of it.

City of Wanneroo Mayor and NGAA WA spokeswoman Tracey Roberts gave the example of three in every four people in the City travelling outside of the local government area to get to work.

“Too often our residents are forced to travel up to two hours each way just to get to their job, burdening them with high fuel costs, stress from sitting in traffic, and time away from friends and family,” she said.

City of Gosnells Mayor Olwen Searle said her city was trying to create more jobs in the area.

“Part of the problem is that we have not got enough jobs, that’s why we have created Kenwick industrial area,” she said.

“People are travelling out and that is part of the problem with congestion.”

She also said Gosnells had a major piece of undeveloped space owned by one person, which could all be developed into houses.

City of Armadale Mayor Henry Zelones said a fair number of people travelled to the city, Fremantle and Kwinana for work from Armadale.

Both Cr Zelones and City of Cockburn Mayor Logan Howlett cited the North Lake flyover bridge as badly needed to help the east-west congestion between the two local government areas.

“We have come together at a time when we need to remind the Federal Government and Federal Opposition that there is a need in outer growth suburbs for community infrastructure to be provided,” Cr Howlett said.

“The one missing ingredient is hundreds of millions of dollars.

“It is important to link communities. What we need now is stage two of the crossover bridge over the freeway.”

To sign the petition calling for a dedicated infrastructure fund, go to www.fundourfuture.info.