CANNING MHR Andrew Hastie has used one of his first speeches in Parliament this year to call again for the extension of the Tonkin Highway south of Thomas Road.
Mr Hastie told the full sitting of the House of Representatives last week that the highway’s expansion was key to local jobs and economic development in the Peel region.
“The residents of Serpentine-Jarrahdale – the fasting growing local government in the country – have been waiting more than 20 years for the Tonkin Highway to be built past Thomas Road,’’ he said.
Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE
Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.
READ NOW“They are still waiting.
“Extending the Tonkin Highway will boost the local economy, stimulating industry in Serpentine-Jarrahdale and the centre of the Peel region.
“This will create countless local jobs, particularly for young people looking to get into a trade.
“We need to get this road built soon.’’
Mr Hastie’s speech is the latest of more than two years campaigning for the project and comes off the back of a visit in December from Federal Finance Minister Mathias Cormann.
Senator Cormann said the Federal Government was considering the extension of the highway given it was an important step in unlocking the Peel Region’s potential.
Mr Hastie called on the State and Federal Governments to work together to get the job completed.
MORE: Women charged with 63 offences after two-week crime spree
MORE: Teen missing for over two weeks found safe and sound
MORE: Elderly couple left battered after being attacked by intruder on their property