Matt O'Sullivan (WA, Liberal Party, Shadow Assistant Minister for Fisheries and Forestry) Share this | Hansard source

My congratulations to you on your wonderful news, Senator Payman.

I rise to speak on the Albanese and Cook governments' mismanagement of the proposed Garden Island Highway project in Western Australia. In late 2024, with considerable attention, a $2 million feasibility study was announced to examine road access options in and around HMAS Stirling. The purpose was clear: to assess ways to ease the growing congestion on local roads brought about by the increased activity under AUKUS. A key element highlighted at the time was the proposed extension of the Garden Island Highway. There was broad support across the board, from the local council to both state and local Labor representatives.

Fast forward just over 12 months, and we know that this mysterious feasibility study conducted by Main Roads WA apparently concluded that the highway extension is not needed. They supposedly think that the existing road network can effectively manage traffic impacts without major adjustments. How can we be so sure when this feasibility study has not been released? These conclusions come as a surprise to many, including local residents and the City of Rockingham, which had commissioned its own study in 2024, which highlighted the need for the road extension. Main Roads WA need to justify why they are comfortable with this level of dangerous congestion when locals clearly know that they need this. One local is reported to have said: 'The traffic here is just ridiculous. Both state and federal governments need to make this secret feasibility study available to the public. It seems a sham conclusion was decided even before the study began. Better still, just get on with building the road.'