The proposal is for a bypass road around the urban areas of Busselton. The selected alignment has the potential for significant impacts on the Broadwater wetland suite, which has been recommended for conservation of its natural values in Recommendation 1.2 of the System One report (Environmental Protection Authority, 1973).

Currently, all major roads servicing the region converge on Busselton and pass through the centre of the town as Bussell Highway. The Shire of Busselton and Main Roads Western Australia consider that the bypass road is needed to relieve traffic congestion in the town and to service development south of Busselton. A route for the bypass road was selected by Main Roads in the late 1970s and a reserve for the road was established through the Shire's Town Planning Scheme in 1982.