THE WA Government and the Federal Government, ahead of Tuesday’s Budget, have agreed on a $2.3 billion road and rail infrastructure package for the state.
On Sunday, May 7 Premier Mark McGowan said the infrastructure package included $50 million for a grade separated intersection at the intersection of Wanneroo Rd and Joondalup Dr and $31m to build a dual carriageway on Wanneroo Rd from Joondalup Dr to Flynn Dr.
In addition, a combined $1.2b will be allocated towards the State Government’s Metronet project, including, subject to positive business cases, $700 million from the Federal Government towards future Metronet projects such as the Thornlie and Yanchep line extensions.
On Friday, May 5 Transport Minister Rita Saffioti told Yanchep News Online the business case for the Yanchep rail line was well underway.
“It is intended the business case will be submitted by July,’’ she said.
On Thursday, April 27 on Twitter Gareth Parker from 6PR tweeted that Pearce MHR Christian Porter was saying there was no business case for rail to Yanchep.
Ms Saffioti said she was surprised the Federal Member representing Yanchep would be talking down the need for a Yanchep rail line and she called on him to support it.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said both governments had worked together to deliver the best possible outcome for Western Australia and would continue to do so.
“We recognise the priorities of the new WA State Government and will work with them to deliver high quality outcomes for Western Australia,” he said.
“In particular, the State Government’s Metronet initiative fits in well with my government’s Smart Cities agenda, and we will continue to work with the Premier and his team to help make it happen.”
Mr McGowan said the substantial package would help ease congestion, improve road safety, improve connectivity and deliver jobs.
“We’re getting on with the job and delivering on our promises to the people of Western Australia, delivering new job creating and congestion busting projects,’’ he said.
The Property Council of Australia WA executive director Lino Iacomella said the confirmation of the state and federal funding for key transport infrastructure added to the growing confidence in WA’s property industry.
“The property industry congratulates the state and federal governments for fast-tracking the funding deal,’’ he said.
“Business confidence was growing in WA’s property industry however a lot was riding on the outcome of the transport infrastructure funding deal.’’
Mr Iacomella said the road and rail projects to be funded would unlock thousands of construction jobs and new home sites and dozens of new community and employment precincts.
But he said the effectiveness of the infrastructure projects confirmed by the funding deal would depend on local planning regulations also being upgraded to enable development to happen.
“Perth’s 31 local councils need to be directed to streamline their planning laws to ensure that business can invest with confidence across the metropolitan area.’’
