Minister "dismissive" of highway noise complaints

Transport Minister Dean Nalder has refused to respond to requests to visit Eaton properties affected by noise from Forrest Highway.

Opposition Leader Mark McGowan and a group of residents are demanding the Minister visit the houses to get a better understanding of the issue, however when asked by the Bunbury Herald whether he would consider the requests he refused to respond.

It comes as Mr McGowan presented a grievance in parliament last week, asking the Minister to resolve the ongoing noise issues of Eaton residents living adjacent to the highway.

Residents claim the type of road surface is the main contributor to "extreme" noise affecting not only the way they live, but the way they sleep and the value of their properties.

In July Mr Nalder's principal policy adviser Samuel Calabrese responded with a letter to residents saying there were "no current plans" to fix the issue. Responding to Mr McGowan's grievance last week, Mr Nalder gave a similar response.

"I have asked Main Roads to review this situation, with a view to scheduling this resealing work earlier and considering it as part of the next budget development cycle," he said.

"However, it needs to be recognised that at this time there are no short-term proposals to change the current circumstances in this area."

Speaking outside parliament, Mr McGowan said the Eaton residents deserved better treatment.

"It's absolutely abominable what they have to put up with - the noise is extreme," he said.

"The Minister was totally dismissive.

"If he had any guts he'd come down and listen for himself and if he heard it, he'd fix it, because I've heard it and I tell you what, I'll fix it."

Several Eaton residents made the trip to parliament and are vowing not to give up on the issue.