Planned Manjimup Timber Archway works halted over traffic costs

MEDIA RELEASE TITLE: Planned works to Manjimup Timber Archway halted by State Government traffic management costs

The Shire of Manjimup has been forced to reconsider maintenance works to the iconic Timber Archway at the northern entry-point to the Manjimup townsite due to traffic management obligations and costs imposed through the State Government.

The Shire initially allocated $60,000 for the works, with the paint and restoration component estimated at $35,000, a reasonable cost for a structure of this scale. However, due to the Timber Arch’s location within the South Western Highway road reserve, State-imposed traffic management requirements are expected to cost $76,000 per week, for up to three weeks - that’s up to $228,000 just for traffic management alone. These costs are non-negotiable under current State regulations, with no provision for flexibility or adjustment for a regional town project. Accordingly, works that were scheduled to commence in late February 2026 have been deferred while the Shire considers other options for management of the Timber Archway.

At its February 2026 meeting, the Shire of Manjimup Council resolved to pause the planned maintenance works and requested the Chief Executive Officer to present a report to the Council’s April Meeting outlining options and recommendations for ongoing asset management of the Timber Archway. Shire President Donelle Buegge today said:

“The Shire of Manjimup has deep concern at the high cost of undertaking what would ordinarily be routine refurbishment and maintenance of the much-loved Manjimup town entry timber arch. These works involve basic restoration and care, yet the estimates we have received are disproportionately high due to the State Government’s traffic management requirements. It is extremely disappointing that necessary upkeep of a valued community asset has become so financially burdensome because of these regulations.”

The Shire will be formally appealing to the State Government to review current traffic management regulations, seeking urgent reconsideration of those provisions that are placing an unreasonable financial burden on the Shire (and all local governments across Western Australia) and significantly impacting its capacity to deliver essential maintenance works for community assets and infrastructure.

-ENDS-

Authorised by Donelle Buegge, Shire President
Contact: 0409 114 681

Benjamin (Ben) Rose, Chief Executive Officer
Mikayla Ginbey, Corporate Communications Officer