Published on Thursday, 14 May 2026 at 8:56:08 AM

Media Release

Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network funding delay highlights need for ongoing advocacy

The Shire of West Arthur President, Cr Karen Harrington, has today acknowledged advice received regarding the Wheatbelt Secondary Freight Network (WSFN) funding application and reaffirmed the Shire’s strong support for the program and its benefits to regional road safety and freight efficiency.

The Shire has been advised that, while a WSFN business case was substantially prepared, recent State budget pressures meant Treasury indicated it would not be funding a number of programs—resulting in the WSFN shifting from the “short list” to the “long list” and no funding being provided to commence in 2026/27.

Cr Harrington said the Shire remains committed to the WSFN because of its role in supporting safer and more reliable freight routes across the Wheatbelt.

“The WSFN is about improving the efficiency and safety of road freight movements in our region and reducing pressure on local roads,” Cr Harrington said.

“While we are disappointed that funding is not expected to commence in 2026/27, we welcome advice that work to finalise the business case is already underway and will be submitted to the Minister’s office and other decision-makers as soon as possible.”

The Shire understands the WSFN Steering Committee has positioned the program to continue functioning despite the funding delay, and that some construction projects have already been funded for 2026/27.

“Any delay creates flow-on challenges for shires managing high-productivity freight movements,” Cr Harrington said. “Our community and our farming sector depend on safe, reliable connections to markets. We will keep advocating for the WSFN to be funded from 2027/28 onwards, and we will continue raising the program’s benefits whenever we meet with State and Federal representatives.”

Cr Harrington encouraged ongoing whole-of-region advocacy in line with the WSFN Program Director’s request that member local governments continue highlighting the WSFN and its benefits when engaging with political decision-makers and advisers.

The Shire will continue to monitor updates provided through the WSFN as the business case is finalised and the funding application progresses.

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Media contact:

Vin Fordham Lamont, Chief Executive Officer

Shire of West Arthur

P: (08) 9736 2400 | E: ceo@westarthur.wa.gov.au 

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