Persistence pays off: $4.28 million funding boost for North Fence Road
21 October 2026
The Shire of Kent has welcomed the success of its application for $4,280,999 through the Australian Government’s Safer Local Roads Infrastructure Program (SLRIP) to upgrade and seal North Fence Road.
The Shire will contribute $1 million from its 2024–2029 Roads to Recovery allocation, also funded by the Australian Government, towards the project. The proposed works include upgrading 13.09 kilometres of road to a 7.2-metre-wide sealed surface, together with improved drainage.
The upgrade will complete the final unsealed section of a key freight corridor connecting the Shire of Kent to the central Wheatbelt via Rabbit Proof Fence Road through to Cunderdin.
Shire President Kate Johnston celebrated the funding as a significant win for the community following several unsuccessful applications.
“This is fantastic news for the Shire of Kent and everyone who relies on North Fence Road,” Kate said.
“Council has continued to put this project forward because we know how important it is to our local farmers, freight operators and other road users. Securing this funding after several unsuccessful attempts makes the outcome particularly rewarding.”
North Fence Road is an important agricultural freight route, supporting the movement of grain and other farm inputs and produce. The proposed improvements will provide a safer, more reliable road for freight operators, school buses and local traffic, particularly during busy harvest periods, while reducing the ongoing maintenance demands associated with the gravel surface.
“Our farming community makes an enormous contribution to the economy, and it needs roads that can safely support the freight task that comes with that,” Kate explained.
“Sealing this final section will strengthen the connection to the central Wheatbelt and deliver benefits beyond our Shire boundary.”
“Just as importantly, this road is shared by school buses and local families. Providing a wider sealed surface will improve safety for everyone using the route.”
“For a small rural shire managing a large road network, delivering an upgrade of this scale would be extremely difficult without external funding. We sincerely thank the Australian Government for supporting this project and recognising the importance of investing in rural roads.”
The Shire will now work with the Australian Government to finalise the project scope, budget, delivery milestones and formal funding arrangements.
Tenders are expected to be called around April 2027, with works anticipated to extend into the 2027–28 financial year. Further updates will be provided as planning progresses.
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Christie Smith
Chief Executive Officer, Shire of Kent
ceo@kent.wa.gov.au