GREAT Eastern Highway’s safety was once again thrust into the spotlight in June as a motion passed requesting the Shire of Mundaring chief executive to write to Main Roads.

South Ward councillor Luke Ellery moved for council to note Main Roads WA’s plans to reduce speed from 80km/h to 70km/h on Great Eastern Highway (GEH) from Lionel Road to Scott Street and for chief executive officer Jason Whiteaker to write to Main Roads WA.

The motion asked Mr Whiteaker to write to Main Roads requesting a deferral of their decision, to conduct extensive community consultation given GEH is a national highway, and to remind that the shire is seeking an intersection upgrade.

Shire of Mundaring President Paige McNeil said the council’s advocacy position is clear.

“We’re focussed on the need, specifically, to upgrade Great Eastern Highway and Scott Street intersection to make it safer for all roads users,” she said.

“The RAC has identified this intersection of Great Eastern Highway and Scott Street in Greenmount, as one of the riskiest in the state.

“Our community knows, first-hand, that this intersection is dangerous and that is why I have written to the Minister for Transport requesting that an upgrade be funded as a matter of priority.

“Shire staff are currently working with Main Roads on an upgrade design.”

Greenmount resident Colin Hughes gave a deputation at the meeting, urging councillors to review the report, endorse its recommendations, and push for immediate implementation to improve road safety.

He said speed limits need to be reduced from Old York Road to Scott Street.

“Scott Street is the most dangerous intersection,” he said.

“Why are they excluding Bilgoman Road and why haven’t they dropped the speed limit from Old York Road?

“It just doesn’t make any sense.

“Also, the fact that this wasn’t clearly made public and the Mundaring council have been asked to make a decision on a report they haven’t seen is ridiculous.”

Mr Hughes urged councillors to review the report, endorse its recommendations, and push for immediate implementation to improve road safety.

Glen Forrest resident Eric Smith opposed the motion in his deputation noting many motorists ignored stop signs at Scott Street and believed reducing the speed limit further could worsen traffic issues, increase pollution, and push more vehicles onto suburban roads.

Ms McNeil said since the motion, the shire council has asked Mr Whiteaker to write to Main Roads but hopes this isn’t the final word on GEH’s upgrades.

“(We’ve) asked the chief executive to write to Main Roads requesting extensive community communication about Main Roads’ decision, to reduce the speed limit from 80km to 70km from Lionel Road, Darlington, both east and west, commencing July 16, 2025,” she said.

“We’re seeking assurance that any speed changes by Main Roads on the highway won’t delay the much-needed upgrade at Scott Street to make this intersection safe.”

*An earlier version of this story said Greenmount resident Colin Hughes wanted a reduced speed limit on Old York Road instead of from Old York Road and identified Old York Road as the most dangerous intersection instead of Scott Street.  Mr Hughes clarified his support for immediate implementation of the speed reduction by Main Roads.