President's Report
By Rod Henderson
 It’s
great to be back at work and looking forward to a new year of business.
The MDBA continues to drive local issues on your behalf and has
an extensive range of business opportunities for you throughout
the year with numerous events and functions.
At a State level we have sought assurances from the Minister for
Transport that the contract for an overpass at Alexander Drive
and Reid Hwy would be let without delay. I have been concerned
that a tightening budget following the world financial crash may
have delayed this important project.
You will have noticed preconstruction works occurring at the intersection
over the past few months. The Minister for Transport Hon. O’Brien
has advised us that a contract will shortly be awarded for completion
due in April 2011.
It has been through the efforts of the MDBA that projects such
as this have come to the fore. We pursued the previous government
on many occasions and received no indication of a start date until
an election was called by the Carpenter government, a matter that
I found most annoying.
In our letter to Minister O’Brien last year we also pressed
the problem of congestion at Malaga Drive and Reid Hwy. I see this
intersection as a key entry to Malaga and for commuter traffic
into Ballajura which needs attention as soon as funding is available.
The Minister advises that funds will be sought in future budgets
for these works. The MDBA will continue to pursue this on your
behalf.
Another area that requires attention is the Lord St alignment
of the new Perth to Darwin Hwy. Malaga business moving large loads
from the industrial area needs better access to the North West.
This alignment would also carry light rail for people in the north
east corridor such as Ellenbrook and Bullsbrook in the future.
We have sought the Ministers support to promote this important
Federal Government project and have also asked the City of Swan
to support our request. I’d like to thank the Hon. Alyssa
Hayden MLC for East Metropolitan for her efforts in driving the
infrastructure requirements of the North East region.
More on all of that as we get into the year. In the meantime if
you are not already a member I encourage you to join the MDBA and
to participate in networking functions.
Thanks to the new committee for their enthusiasm to put time and
effort into the MDBA for you the members. Come along to the next
function and meet them, who knows they might be able to assist
your business. Keep in mind that non members are also welcome to
attend functions. We hope to see you soon!
Rod Henderson,
President |
