South West needs $750m in investment

A new report has found the South West region needs more than $750 million in transport infrastructure improvements to allow it to cope with future industry and population growth.

The Bunbury Infrastructure Investment Plan reveals the regions transport infrastructure is close to capacity.

South West Development Commission chairman Stephen Harrison said the report pinpointed a number of projects that would help stimulate economic growth and generate billions of dollars in public benefits.

"The South West Development Commission has been working in partnership with the Bunbury Wellington Economic Alliance, Bunbury Port Authority and The Chamber of Minerals & Energy WA to ensure the region's transport infrastructure system is in a position to cope with future population and industry growth," he said.

"It's clear that our infrastructure is not keeping pace with the demands currently being placed on it and this report will help us secure the funding required for vital upgrades."

"With new industry projects set to come online and rapid population growth, it is important work is done now to ensure our road, rail and port infrastructure can cope with this growth," Mr Harrison said.

"We don't want to be in a position in the future where the region can't accommodate new industries because the roads, railways and port cannot cope with them - or find safety on roads has been compromised.

Mr Harrison said safer roads, reduced travel times, room for industry growth and jobs creation are some of the benefits that can be expected from improving infrastructure.

"This push for funding is about more than investment in roads and railways. It is about securing the future prosperity of the region and ensuring the good economic times and quality of life enjoyed by today's residents continue in the years ahead," he said.

The report lists 10 projects that should be a priority for investment over the next 4 years which include: construction of a second railway line from Brunswick to the Bunbury Port; completion of all stages of the Bunbury Outer Ring Road and Bunbury Port Access Road; and refurbishment of the Greenbushes rail line.