New service stations planned for freeway

Commuters travelling on the Kwinana Freeway will soon be able to stop for fuel and food, with service stations proposed for two blocks of land on Paparone Road in Baldivis.

The planned service stations, which are believed to be owned by BP, will be built on the freeway south of the intersection with Mundijong Road.

Announcing the initiative, Planning Minister John Day said the proposal for the two service stations on opposite sides of the freeway had required the rezoning of the Baldivis land.

Mr Day said the Paparone Road land was now zoned special use-freeway service centre following the gazetting of the local planning scheme amendment.

Transport Minister Troy Buswell said when operational the service stations would provide an opportunity for commuters to take rest breaks to help reduce driver fatigue and allow people using the freeway better access to service facilities.

‘‘In time the freeway service centres will be similar to those located in the eastern States and overseas, providing the 24-hour convenience of fuel, refreshments, emergency breakdown repairs and restroom facilities,’’ he said.

‘‘These service centres will provide the opportunity for quality rest breaks which more effectively reduce driver fatigue and are favoured over rest areas.’’

There is also land in the Murray shire just south of Paull Road on the Forrest Highway in West Pinjarra zoned for service stations.