FAQs

In 2023 the Shire engaged a Consultant, Stantec to prepare an ITS for Cowaramup to inform future improvements required to manage traffic growth, including improvements for pedestrians and cyclists.

To manage the road network for all road users, improve town centre access, and manage parking in the Cowaramup town centre and surrounds to meet existing and future needs of the community.

The study area shown in Figure 1-2 is bounded by Wirring Road to the south, Miamup Road to the west, the green area north of Duggan Drive and the empty lots, east of the town. The study area excludes the existing residential areas (Symphony Waters and Lakeview Estates) and the existing Light Industrial Area located north of Wilyabrup Brook, the Parkwater Estate and the original townsite located west of Miamup Road / Sunset Drive.

The Prioritised Action Plan and Gaps and Proposed Improvements outlines the plan for improvements for both the Shire and Main Roads over the next 5 to 10 years.

Through our consultation process and discussions with stakeholders including Main Roads we aim to prioritise actions which will be funded and implemented as part of our future capital works programs. To do this we need an agreed plan, with costed designs so we have clarity for budgeting purposes and for seeking external funding. 

We have also supported the Cowaramup Road Safety Group's five million dollar funding request to the state government to implement priority actions along Bussell Hwy. This includes relocating the school crossing, intersection improvements and installing a permanent median island, pending the success of the current 12-month trial of the painted median island.

The Shire and Main Roads WA are responsible for different Actions identified within the Cowaramup ITS and Proposed Improvements.

The Prioritised Action Plan highlights several key short (1-3 years), medium (4-6 years) and long-term (7-10) actions for parking, traffic, and active transport. After community input is received these will be budgeted into future work plans for implementation by the Shire. Actions within the Plan not under the Shire’s responsibility cannot be commented on.

All community members are encouraged to share their feedback on the Study, via the Shire’s Your Say page. Feedback for the public consultation now concludes on the 11th of October 2024.

Consultancy fees for the Study were $30,000.

Main Roads WA has been working with the Shire of Augusta Margaret River and the Cowaramup Road Safety Committee to address concerns regarding pedestrian movements through the town.  A 1.5 metre wide painted median wil be installed to allow a safe space for pedestrians to stop before completing their crossing. The median will be white and easy to see from vehicles entering the town. The works will be undertaken in late September for approximately one week. To minimise disruptions to businesses, local journeys and other road users, works will be undertaken at night. All existing parking bays will be retained and the pedestrian crossing remains.

Main Roads will monitor the usage both visually and via community feedback. If successful, a longer-term solution will be developed and finalised.

Some actions identified in previous planning documents, including the 2005 Cowaramup Townsite Strategy, haven’t been realised as there are areas of growth in the strategy that haven’t been built yet.