Don't include any personal information.If you need a response, send an enquiry instead The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land We pay our respects to all members of the Aboriginal communities and their cultures; and to Elders both past and present CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) This is probably not the page you’re looking for Geraldton and the greater Greenstone region are off to a chilly and cloudy start this Sunday morning, with temperatures sitting at -3.1°C as of 7:16 AM at the Geraldton Airport. With a light southeast wind at 4 km/h and a wind chill of -5°C, it’s definitely a morning for mittens — yes, in May! Humidity is sitting at a heavy 93%, and visibility is down slightly to 16 km due to lingering fog patches. But don’t worry — change is in the air. The barometric pressure is a steady 102.2 kPa, and skies are expected to clear as the morning progresses. Once the fog lifts, it’ll be full-on sunshine with a high of 15°C this afternoon. With the UV index reaching 7, which is considered high, it’s best to slap on some sunscreen if you’re heading outdoors. It’s a bit of a spring magic trick: subzero start, shorts-worthy finish. Clear skies continue into tonight, offering a calm and quiet evening. The temperature will drop to a low of 2°C — just above freezing — but still mild compared to where the day began. Great night for a bonfire or a bit of backyard stargazing. Monday will feel more like June than May. Sunshine dominates the forecast once again, but this time with some punch — the high rockets up to a toasty 23°C. Winds will kick in from the south at 20 km/h, gusting up to 40, giving the day some extra energy. The UV index remains high at 7, so sun protection is a must for anything more than a coffee run. The evening stays clear and mild with a low of 6°C, ideal for enjoying every last minute of that spring warmth. Tuesday brings back the clouds, along with a 40 percent chance of showers. The high will dip to a cooler 19°C — still very pleasant, but a bit of a comedown from Monday’s early heatwave. The real surprise comes Tuesday night: clouds linger, and the temperature plunges to a frigid low of -4°C. Yes, from 23°C to minus territory in just over 24 hours. Spring, you’re dramatic. Bundle up this morning — gloves and a warm coat are justified. But by afternoon, you’ll want to peel back the layers and bring out the sunglasses. Monday is shorts-and-t-shirt weather, but keep a jacket handy for Tuesday night’s frost flirtation. On this date, May 4th, Geraldton has seen it all. The record high was 27.1°C in 2001 — not far from what’s forecast for Monday — while the record low plunged to -9.7°C way back in 1974. Today’s wild swing from -3°C to 15°C is actually right on brand for this rollercoaster of a region. Link copiedShareShare articleWARNING: This story contains distressing content Jimmie Mongoo wears his son's favourite footy shirt while relaxing at home after long shifts operating a crane at a mine It's one way he can feel close to Brenton his 37-year-old son who has been missing for almost a year "His hobbies were watching the football especially the Hawks … so I wear it every time I'm home," explained Jimmie Brenton Shar vanished from the coastal Western Australia town of Geraldton about four hours' drive north of Perth The disappearance of Brenton has devastated his parents partner Kasey and their two young daughters Jimmie Mongoo’s son Brenton went missing from their home town of Geraldton in Western Australia Jimmie's bond with his son had strengthened after Brenton moved back to Geraldton five years ago Their relationship as adults deepened after a disconnection during Brenton's childhood Jimmie spends most mornings driving around town looking for any clues that could lead to his son's whereabouts "It hurts a lot for me to just be doing it every day I just break down thinking whether I'm going to find anything or not and how I will react," Jimmie said behind the wheel of his ute Jimmie Mongoo is still searching for his son Brenton Brenton and Kasey had been together for about five years and had two little girls under the age of three he was staying at his dad Jimmie's house he goes to his dad's and cools off and then comes back home," said Kasey Kasey and Brenton had been together for about five years when he disappeared Brenton had dropped past his home with Kasey to pick up some groceries before heading back to his father's she had no reason to think this would be the last time she would ever see her partner "Last I knew he was watching a movie [at Jimmie's house] and having some food and resting up on the couch," Kasey remembered There's a moment from that evening that haunts Kasey a puzzle she'll never be able to unpick Brenton’s family say he was last seen near this service station "My phone was ringing … I answered it It was about 9pm that night when Brenton left his dad's house with his two nephews to buy cigarettes from the service station down the road Jimmie says the last time he saw Brenton was walking down this road Jimmie suspects Brenton may have gone out to buy drugs He was worried his son's mental health had been going downhill The next morning no-one could get in touch with Brenton Kasey knew straight away something was wrong This was totally out of character for the man she loved "He's a person that always has his phone charged and he always texts back or rings back … I always knew where he was," she said driving around town looking for any sign of her partner Kasey Burns says she and partner Brenton would text every day before he disappeared "I went out searching everywhere pretty much searching high and low … but no one's seen Brenton," she said there are differing accounts of when the family contacted the police WA Police told the ABC the first record on file of the family raising concerns occurred five days after Brenton went missing But Jimmie is adamant he went to the police station to report Brenton missing the day after he disappeared and the response was dismissive "The guy that I was talking to at the counter the officer there … what I got off him was just another blackfella," Jimmie said Brenton Shar’s family feel they were treated dismissively by local police The distraught father said the police assumed Brenton had "just wandered off" and was "visiting friends" Relief came to the family when they heard Brenton had been spotted in town information that Jimmie shared with the police Brenton Shar was 37 years old when he disappeared in Geraldton and two days later when Brenton was still nowhere to be found the family raised the alarm again with the police As the days rolled by with still no sign of Brenton his partner Kasey desperately continued to follow every possible lead "I couldn't sit home without getting up and coming down and searching When she heard someone thought they'd seen him by the beach around the time he went missing Kasey Burns says she searched day and night for her missing partner and I found his shorts," said Kasey through tears standing on the beach for the first time since the difficult discovery "I was just looking and started singing out for Brenton I just felt like my soul left my body." Kasey was hopeful this clue would lead to some answers It took another nine days for police to confirm through CCTV and witness accounts that Brenton was wearing similar shorts the night he disappeared A pair of missing man Brenton Shar’s shorts were found by the beach in Geraldton Police divers arrived from Perth the following day to search the area who told her the search had been unsuccessful and they were back to square one in their search for Brenton "When [the police] rang me and told me on the phone his family drove the streets of Geraldton looking for him Kasey remembers the last conversation she had with detectives "All the evidence they have leads into the ocean," Kasey said this is just another painful detail that doesn't add up "I've never known Brenton to go to the beach by himself … not at night time," she said Brenton's loved ones are not only Indigenous family searching for a missing loved one calling for more government and police resources to help find them leading a protest march through their hometown of Geraldton they can help other families struggling through the same ordeal Hundreds of people marched in Broome in July last year calling for answers after the disappearance of several Aboriginal men in Australia's north-west in recent years "And for other people to notice," he added Indigenous men are over-represented in long-term missing persons cases in comparison to non-Indigenous men in almost every Australian state and territory that records this data At least 150 Indigenous men are missing long-term across the country — but the true number is likely much higher as this figure does not capture every jurisdiction the police could not supply the ABC with data both citing the challenges to accurately record the Indigenous status of a missing person it's impossible to determine the full scale of the problem Greens Senator Dorinda Cox argues the collation of Indigenous status would help to understand the problem guide preventative action to do something about it what that means is that the family then go looking for their own answers They are self-funding rallies and searches which in 2025 is just unacceptable in a country as rich and as progressive as Australia." Senator Cox says there's a story attached to every person that disappears Senator Cox is now calling for a federal investigation into missing Indigenous men what is the impact that's happening for successive victims and also their families?" Remembering the people behind the numbers — brothers uncles and cousins who are loved and missed drive the senator's call for an inquiry There are at least 150 Indigenous men missing long-term across Australia that's part of a community … there's a story that's attached to that," Senator Cox said "There's a story about their life that they've lived and their life that every one of their family members Brenton Shar’s family describe him as “full of laughter and fun” Jimmie Mongoo remembers Brenton not as a missing person always wanted to joke with his family and friends and everything he really loved his children," he said Brenton was close with his two older brothers "The three of them grew up together… couldn't tell them apart They used to be called the three amigos because they were always together," he said Jimmie misses Brenton desperately and often sits on the verandah with a cup of tea hoping his son will one day wander up the street Jimmie Mongoo describes his sons as the "three amigos" Tucked away in a lab in Canberra among hills and ridges with walking trails forensic teams from the Australian Federal Police have what they say could be the key to solving some of those long-term missing persons cases The potential for closure rests with the more than 700 unidentified human remains currently held by police and coroners around Australia members of the public may come across items be concerned that they could be of human origin," said Joanne Cameron who is Acting Assistant Commissioner and Commander of Forensics for the AFP Commander of Forensics for the Australian Federal Police Joanne Cameron says more missing persons cases could be solved by analysing unidentified remains Over a four-year period up to 2024, the AFP's National DNA Program examined 99 unknown human remains, solving 19 long-term missing persons cases, however none are believed to be Indigenous people. "A majority of those cases were actually solved through DNA analysis, so matching [a] DNA profile which was recovered from the remains against reference samples that were provided by the families of the missing persons," said forensic biologist Michelle Spiden. Forensic biologist Michelle Spiden says missing persons cases have been solved through DNA analysis. (ABC News: Sissy Reyes) Federal government funding for the DNA testing program ended last year. The remains will now only be examined on a case-by-case basis when requested by police or coroners. "As we work towards helping identify those human remains … I have no doubt we will find closure on some of our long-term missing persons cases," Ms Cameron said. "The unambiguous loss that families feel while they wonder what happened to their loved one can never, ever be understated." Brenton's father and partner continue to search and hope, but the emotional toll is high. "As his father, I felt like it should have been my thing to find him," Jimmie said during one of his searches for his son. Brenton's partner Kasey shared her heartache, knowing her two girls will grow up without their dad. "He was a fun dad, always playing and interacting with the girls," she said. Brenton’s family say his young daughters still wonder where he is. (Supplied) Their two and three-year-old daughters aren't quite old enough to understand that Brenton most likely isn't coming home, said Kasey. They still ask where their dad is hiding. "They're wondering where Dad is because they always look for him in the house. They look for him still," she said. Jimmie describes his granddaughter searching for Brenton under the beds. "She came up and grabbed me by the face, and just stared in my eyes and said, 'look, Pop, where is he now?'" he said, with a sad laugh. WA Police told the ABC's Indigenous Affairs Team that from the time the family first raised welfare concerns, it conducted "extensive inquiries" into Brenton's whereabouts, which included patrols, drones, and reviewing CCTV. "Many hundreds of investigative actions have been and continue to be undertaken by police to determine Mr Shar's whereabouts," it said in a statement. In those crucial early days, Jimmie felt there was little communication from the police. Jimmie Mongoo says he felt there were gaps in communication from police. (ABC News: Sissy Reyes)  "I've never really had any information that they were doing all this stuff, and as far as I'm aware, myself and my family were doing it all," Jimmie said. WA Police told the ABC in a statement that it remained committed to finding answers for families of missing persons and provides regular updates to families throughout an investigation via phone and in-person meetings. With additional reporting by Madi Chwasta. 14 February 2025 2:00AMCamera IconAustralian Christians' Eugenie Harris Credit: Matthew PaddickShare to FacebookShare to XEmail UsCopy the LinkGeraldton will have nine candidates contesting the local seat at the upcoming State election with independent Shane Van Styn drawing the No.1 slot on the ballot paper candidates gathered after the submission deadline to see the order the ballot would be drawn in WA Electoral Commission returning officer of the Geraldton district Brian Robartson was in charge of the draw Liberal candidate Tim Milnes and Mr Van Styn’s wife Jazzlyn volunteered to shake the ballot box to randomise the process Camera IconJazzlyn Van Styn proved to be a good luck charm for her husband Shane Credit: Matthew PaddickIt proved a good luck charm for the latter with Mr Van Styn drawing the first ticket on the ballot Nationals candidate Kirrilee Warr drew second spot while Australian Christians candidate Eugenie Harris’ was the third name drawn Tim Milnes from the Liberals was the fourth name read out followed by newly announced independent candidate and City of Greater Geraldton councillor Aaron Horsman followed by Greens candidate Madeline Doncon The Legalise Cannabis WA Party’s candidate David Van Beek was next meaning the last spot on the ballot went to the incumbent The ballot was also drawn for the eight candidates for the Mid West seat on Thursday with Nationals WA and Opposition Leader Shane Love claiming spot No.7 and former Nationals colleague-turned Liberal defector Merome Beard above him at No.6 City of Greater Geraldton councillor Jenna Denton David Van Beek (Legalise Cannabis WA Party) Link copiedShareShare articleA pothole-riddled, heat-warped road still bearing the scars of flood damage from nine months ago has finally got some attention with an election pledge.For residents of towns along the 335-kilometre Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road, the billions of dollars spent on new bridges and train lines in Perth feel a world away and they say they have had enough of the inequity. They suffer from small town shops blanketed in dust and median strips destroyed by wide loads. One of the many potholes on the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) The major freight route, stretching through Western Australia's Mid West and Murchison, has millions of dollars in iron ore and grain transported along it each year, bound for export out of Geraldton. Veteran truck driver Rob Harrison does not mince words when it comes to the state of the road. It is not unusual to see a fully loaded 200-tonne road train approaching on the wrong side as the driver avoids hitting regular heavily damaged sections. Rob Harrison spent most of his career hauling dangerous goods. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) Mr Harrison said he had seen many near misses in his 30 years hauling freight, including dangerous goods. He was carting fuel from Geraldton to the remote Goldfields when he was clipped by another vehicle last year, resulting in a fatality. Super quads, 60-metre-long trucks weighing up to 200 tonnes, frequent the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) He is taking a break from truck driving but remains concerned about drivers on regional roads, particularly those without facilities to help truckies with fatigue management. "A lot of money's going to have to be spent now, there's a couple of good sections there, but really, they've let it go." A chunk of bitumen beside a pothole-filled stretch of road. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Jo Prendergast) A 2023 report from Infrastructure Western Australia on the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road found $225 million was needed to bring the road up to standard and flagged an expected increase in heavy haulage traffic.   Main Roads WA's 2024 road spend totalled $4.3 billion, and of this $2.5 billion came from state government coffers.  Since July 2023, Main Roads WA said $31 million had been spent on maintenance and upgrades to the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road, but it has made a business case for $200 million to be spent on the road. Sensors on the road at Mount Magnet showed bitumen temperatures can reach 80 degrees Celsius. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) A Labor spokesperson said more than $6 million would be spent on the 335km road over the next two years, but said less work would be needed on the road if more freight was moved to rail.   Labor has pledged $125 million for a road safety package across the state, the Nationals $276 million for road safety improvements on high-speed local government roads, with a plan to spend $45 million on the Geraldton to Mount Magnet Road and leverage for Commonwealth funding.  The Liberals are yet to reveal their road spending plans.  But the various campaign trail pledges are too little too late for many residents. John Thurkle has watched hundreds of vehicles bounce over ruts and potholes through a badly damaged section of road in the centre of Mullewa, 100km east of Geraldton, for almost a year. John Thurkle is frustrated by constant dust, which he says comes from gravel laid on the road as a temporary repair.  (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) Dust from gravel dumped as a temporary fix clogs air conditioners and covers every surface in his shop, 40 metres back from the road. At his house next door, Mr Thurkle and his wife cannot hang washing outside to dry. "We had record rains in June [last year] and the road got cut up with the number of trucks going through," he said. The grocery store in Mullewa is within a few metres of road that has been damaged for eight months (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) Another 110km further down the road, Yalgoo residents are facing similar issues. Shire of Yalgoo chief executive Ian Holland wears many hats in the community, including those of a first responder to fire and health emergencies. He says the absence of any overtaking lanes along 240km of its length is a major safety concern. "The highway was never designed for the weights or the quantity of heavy vehicles and heavy goods that run along it," he said.   Ian Holland says the Geraldton-Mount Magnet Road seems to have been forgotten across multiple administrations. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) Of more than half of the 17 million tonnes of goods exported from Geraldton's port last year, Mr Holland estimates half travelled along the road. "A lot of the money for new bridges and new highways down south all comes from royalties from this region," he said.  "Further north, but not enough of that money is reinvested into where it's actually coming from." At Mount Magnet, 335km inland from Geraldton, the road intersects the Great Northern Highway just out of town. The result is an unrelenting stream of trucks carrying iron ore, mine supplies, and wide loads. Nearly all inland freight in WA travelling north-south, or east-west, goes through Mount Magnet. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis ) It is hard to have a conversation outside the butcher's shop due to truck noise and frequent vibrations can be felt in buildings along the main street. Almost everything is covered in a layer of fine red dust. Shire of Mount Magnet chief executive Tralee Cable said the council was not opposed to the transport industry and wanted to open up land for use by transport businesses. But she said the sense of community was negatively impacted by the frequent traffic. Tralee Cable says the transport industry's impact on towns on haulage routes must not be overlooked. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) Traffic monitoring shows at least 17 trucks travelling through the town every hour. "At the start of October, 75 per cent of vehicles travelling through our town were above the speed limit," she said. "We were getting the very large road trains coming through at above 80 kilometres an hour through our commercial business district.  Ms Cable says the town had beautiful roses along its main street but they did not survive the heat, dust and wind from road trains.  (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Chris Lewis) She said wide loads, like wind turbines transported to inland mines, were too long to take the turn-off for Sandstone in the middle of town, causing further damage. "There's no consideration. There's no care, no thought put into the impact that that industry is having on our community," Ms Cable said. "So we're constantly seeing this reduction in our quality of life and the quality of our main street." Geraldton was the top performing regional centre for the December 2024 quarter according to the latest data from REIWA.  Its median house sale price rose 5.8 per cent to $455,000 up from $430,000 in the September 2024 quarter REIWA Regional Spokesperson Joe White said strong demand was putting upward pressure on prices “While the FOMO may have eased in Perth our members say it’s still strong in Geraldton,” he said “While the data shows there isn’t a shortage of established homes coming to market This gives the appearance of limited stock and fuels that fear of missing out.” “Competition is strongest in the mid-range price brackets with properties priced around the median continuing to attract multiple offers and selling quickly “Family homes are particularly popular and are selling as soon as they come to market.” Mr White said several factors were fuelling the demand for established homes in Geraldton “There is strong interest from investors who are looking for houses that are ready to rent out as well as companies wanting accommodation for staff,” he said “We’re also hearing that people are choosing to buy an established home particularly since increased building standards are being applied to new builds following Cyclone Seroja “Unless we see an increase in affordable new supply or innovative solutions such as using transportable homes in the short term we can expect the challenges in the established homes market to continue.” Eight of the regional centres recorded price growth over the quarter Port Hedland was the only regional centre where the median house sale price declined with the median house sale price rising 28.5 per cent to $591,250 Busselton was the state’s second best performer recording 20.1 per cent growth over the year to $865,000 All regional centres recorded an increase in median house sale price over the 12 months to December seven regional centres recorded an increase in their median weekly rent over the quarter One remained unchanged and one saw a decline with its median rent increasing 11.1 per cent to $1,000 per week Mr White said growth over the quarter was a reflection of more leases in higher price brackets rather than a broad increase in rent prices “At the moment our members are seeing less movement at the lower end of the market,” he said “Affordability is a concern for many people and those in lower-priced rentals are choosing not to move as they know they will have to pay more for another property “So what we are seeing is more leasing activity at the higher end of the market.” Mr White said there were indications the Broome rental market could be reaching an affordability ceiling “Properties are taking slightly longer to rent and our members are seeing an increase in offers below the asking price,” he said “Some owners are reducing their prices to meet the market and secure a tenant “Property is about demand and supply and this is the market in action.” Six regions recorded an increase in median rent over the year One remained stable and two recorded declines Sales transactions in Perth last week were up 79.3 per cent on the previous week with REIWA members reporting 997 transactions While houses generally outperform units for capital growth Housing affordability and supply constraints are being felt across the country but the challenges in WA are unique and require localised responses within national frameworks The property market was impacted significantly last week with two public holidays coinciding with school holidays REIWA President Suzanne Brown said the pre-election commitments from both parties offered welcome certainty for investors Sales transactions in Perth last week were down 5 per cent on the previous week with REIWA members reporting 891 transactions Rising property prices last year may have discouraged first home buyers but several State Government incentives are available to help them get into a home sooner Perth’s rental vacancy rate rose to 2.5 per cent in March 2025 This was 0.2 percentage points higher than the 2.3 per cent recorded in February As the Federal Election approaches on 3 May both major parties have announced new policies to support first home buyers over the weekend Property prices could rise 10 per cent in 2025 but economic uncertainty might slow growth The Real Estate Institute of Western Australia acknowledges the Traditional Custodians throughout Western Australia and their continuing connection to the land The properties will be part of the successful Supportive Landlord Model approach which prioritises getting vulnerable people into permanent housing with wrap around supports The 24 homes have been secured as part of the WA Government’s commitment to deliver 100 homes across Geraldton Albany and Kalgoorlie to support experiencing homelessness Allocations to the properties will be managed by a Rough Sleeper Coordination Group in each location Geraldton is the first location for establishing the regional SLM with a target of 40 properties to be delivered The roll-out of the regional SLM follows the successful SLM pilot Djuripiny Mia under a partnership with community housing provider Housing Choices to deliver 100 social homes across Perth who were at risk of or experiencing homelessness across Perth Geraldton became the third Australian community to achieve a measurable reduction in street homelessness as part of the Advance to Zero campaign a national initiative of more than 30 communities working to address homelessness Geraldton also became the second Western Australian community to achieve a measurable reduction in rough sleeping homelessness with Mandurah Zero Project achieving the milestone in August 2023 Read more about our Regional Supportive Landlord Model Don't include any personal information.If you need a response, send an enquiry instead 2025 – Spring in Northwestern Ontario always knows how to keep things interesting—and today Geraldton and the Greenstone region are waking up to a familiar (yet unwelcome) visitor: snow with light snow falling gently across the landscape With a north-northeast wind blowing at 17 km/h and gusting to 28 it’s feeling closer to -8°C thanks to the wind chill—just in case you were getting too cozy with the idea of spring and visibility remains decent at 10 km despite the snowfall The barometric pressure is a solid 101.5 kPa indicating a system that’s likely on the way out leaving behind cloudy skies with a 40 percent chance of lingering flurries for the afternoon Expect up to 2 cm of new snow accumulation before it’s all said and done but that early morning wind chill of -10 will be a brisk reminder that winter isn’t quite ready to bow out May 2 has had its fair share of variability in this part of Ontario The historic high was 22.1°C in 1987—clearly not in the cards today the coldest May 2 dropped to a bitter -11.5°C in 1964 So while it might not feel like spring just yet this isn’t completely out of character for Greenstone weather Tonight brings some clearing skies and a light wind up to 15 km/h with a wind chill making it feel more like -7 overnight A warm drink and a thick blanket are highly recommended Saturday begins with a bit of optimism—after a cloudy start the sun should break through by late morning a moderate level where sun protection becomes wise if you’re staying outdoors Saturday night brings cloudy periods and a low near zero Sunday shifts fully into spring mode with a mix of sun and cloud and a high of 20°C—perfect weather for stepping outside and finally believing that winter might be over Geraldton earns full bragging rights with a sunny sky and a high of 23°C—t-shirt weather Today’s wardrobe should still channel your inner snowbird: winter coat But keep a pair of sunglasses nearby—you’ll need them soon enough and they’ll help transition your look from “January” to “May” by the weekend Here’s a frosty fact: Geraldton often experiences late-season snow thanks to cold air funneling down from Hudson Bay It’s one of the few places in Ontario where you can still spot snowflakes in May and a sunburn in the same week—talk about seasonal whiplash The Nationals WA in Government will deliver $225 million to provide a major upgrade to Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road Leader of The Nationals WA and Member for Moore Shane Love MLA announced the commitment today pledging to commit $45 million from the State Government and secure Commonwealth support for the remaining funding “This major road has been utterly neglected under WA Labor despite being a key freight corridor carrying up to 200 quad road trains every day,” Mr Love said “The WA Labor Government approved massive increases in heavy vehicles movements Mr Love said the $225 million project would deliver major upgrades along the 335-kilometre road in line with recommendations by Infrastructure Australia “This funding will cover road widening and shoulder sealing “It will also fund a road realignment through the Mullewa townsite which has been left to crumble under heavy truck movements.” Mr Love said the investment wouldn’t just improve safety but would boost WA’s economy upgrading this road will deliver an economic return of almost $400 million over the next 30 years through improved freight efficiency,” Mr Love said “This is real investment which delivers safer roads Mr Love welcomed the commitment from the Shadow Minister for Infrastructure that a future Coalition Government will restore the 80-20 funding split for major regional road projects “This will not only help fund the much-needed upgrades to Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road but provide WA with increased support for other major projects like the Bindoon Bypass which has been left to languish by Labor.” The Nationals WA spokesperson for Road Safety and candidate for Geraldton Kirrilee Warr said the RAC Risky Roads report confirmed the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road was one of WA’s most dangerous roads “This major regional road is falling apart and blind crests and tight curves make it an accident waiting to happen,” Ms Warr said I’ve backed petitions signed by hundreds of residents but the Transport Minister and local Labor MP have ignored us “With ageing rail infrastructure and limited routes between this area and Geraldton port upgrading the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road is critical for road safety and will provide greater efficiency in our regional freight network “The Nationals WA will put money on the table in our first budget and make upgrading the Geraldton-Mt Magnet Road a top priority we’ll work closely with our Federal colleagues to get this project fully funded and delivered.” Ms Warr said The Nationals WA are the only Party making road safety a top priority ahead of the election The Nationals have committed $276 million to the Safer Local Roads program targeting more than 400 high-speed local government roads where fatal and serious crashes occur “We’ve also committed $45 million to deliver a rescue helicopter for Geraldton ensuring faster emergency responses to road accidents across the Mid West,” Ms Warr said Keep up to date with The Nationals WA on Facebook and Twitter and don’t forget to share us with your friends Contact | Privacy | Accessiblity Authorised by J Freeman, The Nationals WA, 43 Ventnor Avenue, West Perth WA 6005 Jockey Brandon Louis doesn’t get a whole heap of riding opportunities in big races but you won’t ever find him complaining about it his positive attitude and work ethic has won him the respect of his peers and racing colleagues Louis doesn’t doubt or lack confidence in his riding capabilities There are many versions of the well-known saying but it’s often attributed to legendary South African golfer It’s a principle that served Louis well on Sunday when he claimed one of his biggest races: the $125,000 Geraldton Gold Cup (2100m) Presented with the opportunity of partnering Bambun Boy the diligent jockey grabbed it with both hands and delivered in style Carrying out the instructions of trainer Sue Olive to the letter Louis crossed from a wide barrier and rated Bambun Boy in front perfectly the seven-year-old absorbed pressure from the runner-up Royal Law and hit the line ¾ of a length clear Louis was thrilled to have added his name to the Geraldton Gold Cup honour board “But I think this is what makes the magic of the sport “You put the work in and something happens Louis said his confidence levels with Bambun Boy started to grow nearing the turn “The whole camp just talked to me and said he’s a type of horse that likes to roll a bit,” Louis said I was going pretty easily and getting some cheap sectionals “At about the 600m I put him through his gears “In the straight he put that little gap which is very important in this kind of race.” He entered the race with one win and two seconds from his previous three outings His victory capped a sentimental day for Olive and her Gold Front team Bambun Boy’s fourth career success was a parting gift to his sire who sadly passed away at Gold Front’s Gingin base last week Fat Roy Slim ran his best race for some time finishing third to round out the Geraldton Cup placings Louis started his racing journey as a stable hand at the Mauritius Turf Club with an eye towards his ultimate ambition of becoming an apprentice jockey He broadened his racing knowledge and experience in Singapore as a track rider where he was spotted by Racing and Wagering WA jockey coach Joining a growing list of young Mauritian riders who domiciled in the west before him Louis was accepted into the Perth Apprentice Jockey Training Programme In 2018 he commenced his apprenticeship under the influence of Hall of Fame trainer Neville Parnham and won his first race on Vonus Louis has racked up 166 wins from close to 2000 starts with a season best tally of 38 winners in 2023 .css-wombmx{font-size:xs;margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;color:white;}TOP