State Transport Minister Murray Criddle last month unveiled what was described as a comprehensive new plan to improve transport services and infrastructure in the Goldfields-Esperance region.

He said the blueprint identified transport infrastructure and service needs in the region and contained more than 60 improvement recommendations. "The strategy builds on current planning by Main Roads WA and Westrail, as well as our existing Transport (Department) commitments, which include the expansion of Esperance Port and the provision of third party rail access on the Kalgoorlie-Kwinana and Esperance-Leonora lines," he said.

Investment in the Kalgoorlie-Esperance rail line, sealing of the Goldfields Highway between Mt Keith, Wiluna and Meekatharra, development of the Great Central Road between Laverton and Docker River, upgrading of regional airstrips, and other major road and rail upgrades were among the report's recommendations.