Cowaramup growing pains need immediate State Government action: Vasse MLA Libby Mettam

Vasse MLA Libby Mettam has called on the State’s Transport Minister not to wait for more studies and pedestrian works, but act on Cowaramup’s ongoing traffic hassles now. The Liberal Party leader, who stands poised to lose Cowaramup from her electorate in 2025 amid a draft review of WA’s Legislative Assembly boundaries, has long advocated for a breakthrough between the Shire of Augusta-Margaret River and Main Roads WA. She told the Times intervention from the State Government to deliver a once-and-for-all solution to the growing town’s traffic problems was the best way forward. “I support the recent push by community members for a masterplan in the interest of improving safety and traffic congestion in the growing town of Cowaramup,” she said. “The installation of a safe crossing for pedestrians, and in particular children, on Bussell Highway has been a sticking point for many years as the town and region experience ongoing growth. “Working together with the Shire and through advocacy to the minister, the speed reductions on Bussell Highway have provided some relief, but not completely resolved the issue.” Ms Mettam’s time in Opposition has been marked by frustration at slow movement on issues related to Cowaramup and the wider region. As well as the congestion and traffic safety issues, longstanding calls for major funding to upgrade Cowaramup Primary School have gone unheeded. Ms Mettam said rapid population growth in the township was revealing multiple points of concern with traffic, not just at the highway crossing, but truck movements through town and some intersections being considered unsafe. Minister Rita Saffioti did not respond to the renewed criticism. Earlier this month, the minister pointed to planned improvements by Main Roads as the first step in unravelling Cowaramup’s traffic issues. However, parents involved in the campaign by Parkwater Residents Association’s Lisa Bell said a comprehensive master plan with funding attached was the only way to resolve their concerns with satisfaction. Cowaramup Primary School Parents and Citizens president Rebecca Mann said the school community backed the campaign, too. “At least half of our students must cross the highway twice a day to get to and from school and we are keen to find a solution to the ever-increasing traffic issues that Cowaramup has,” she said. “One of the most serious issues we face is the lack of a regular crossing guard to help our children cross busy Bussell Highway safely. “It can be dangerous enough when there is a crossing guard and we have had a few near misses, but without someone to help them, it’s very scary.” Ms Bell said the master plan needed to rectify the crossing permanently as well as plan for future growth as a one-stop traffic solution.