New $95m funding to deliver two Perth transport infrastructure projects

As part of its commitment to build Australia’s future, the Albanese Labor Government is investing $95 million to deliver two transport infrastructure projects in Perth’s south. 

The projects, which are a big win for the city, include: 

• Upgrading the intersection of Leach Highway and Manning Road, Bentley ($90 million) 

• Planning for the future of Murdoch Station ($5 million) 

“We’re building Western Australia’s future by doing the important work of planning for Perth’s growth. 

“Whether travelling to Perth from the southern suburbs or home to Fremantle from the airport, the upgrades to Leach Highway will give 44,000 travellers every day a safer journey. 

“Murdoch Station is the busiest station on the network outside the CBD and this investment will ensure Perth’s southern suburbs continue to be serviced by world-class public transport into the future. 

“We’re investing in roads and rail right across Perth and around its surrounding suburbs to better connect the city, improve road safety and give locals precious time back in their day,” Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said. 

The Leach Highway and Manning Road intersection is the second most congested in Western Australia and because of this, an estimated $18.2 million is lost due to a decrease in productivity each year. 

This intersection caters for over 44,000 vehicles daily, and over the past five years there have been 105 crashes. 

The Australian Government funding will be allocated to deliver the first stage of the project, which will involve building a grade-separated interchange to help ease congestion and improve safety. 

“I’m thrilled the Albanese Labor Government is investing $90 million to widen Leach Highway and Manning Road. 

“This is a game-changer for anyone heading to Curtin University, Carousel Shopping Centre and the Airport. 

“No one likes sitting in traffic. These upgrades will ease congestion, cut travel times, and make our roads safer. 

“But it’s not just about roads – it’s about making life a little easier for the community. Less time stuck in traffic means more time for the things that matter,” Member for Swan Zaneta Mascarenhas said. 

Meanwhile, funding for Murdoch Station will enable concept and detailed design works to be carried out for its much-needed upgrade that will boost capacity and improve passenger experience. 

The designs being proposed for the station upgrade will include: 

• A new multi-story carpark on the eastern side of the train station 

• An additional bus bridge and additional bus stands 

• An additional passenger concourse between the station platform and the bus interchange 

• A new southern passenger overpass 

“The Albanese Labor Government’s investment into transport in Perth’s south is what Tangney’s residents need and deserve. 

“With this investment in Murdoch Station, our Government has the right priorities when it comes to planning for our city’s growth,” Federal Member for Tangney Sam Lim said. 

Murdoch Station is Perth’s busiest station outside of the CBD. This station connects train and bus passengers to Murdoch Health and Knowledge Precinct, including Murdoch University as well as Fiona Stanley Hospital and residential communities. 

This upgrade is crucial with the station currently nearing its capacity and patronage is expected to increase to 15,000 daily boardings by 2031. In addition, further demand is anticipated with the new Women and Babies Hospital that is planned for the precinct. 

This new funding commitment to both projects build on other investments from the Australian Government, including a $700 million partnership to upgrade the Kwinana Freeway, METRONET, upgrades to Tonkin Highway and Outback Way. 

“These projects will be a game-changer for our south eastern suburbs, making people’s journeys faster and safer. 

“They complement the other major infrastructure projects we are delivering with the Cook Labor Government. 

“Unclogging our roads ensures ongoing economic growth, more jobs, and helps us cut transport costs that are otherwise passed onto consumers. 

“It is only Labor Governments that invest in better public transport so people can access work, schools, Uni’s and hospitals easily and cheaply. 

“Only Labor has a plan to build Australia’s future,” Member for Burt Matt Keogh said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Infrastructure Magazine