Western Australians are set to benefit from a $940 million infrastructure funding boost from the Australian and State Governments, which will help deliver a number of congestion-busting projects across Western Australia.
The additional $868 million Federal funding will bring up the total federal infrastructure investment for the State to approximately $5.4 billion for the next four years.
The Western Australian and Australian Governments have been working together to get projects underway that will drive jobs as well as help strengthen the local economy and get locals home safer and sooner.
In addition, new road and METRONET projects in Perth and the surrounding regions have also been announced to bust congestion, create jobs and improve safety.
Over $200 million will fund six projects that include the Mitchell Freeway southbound widening - between Hodges Drive and Hepburn Avenue - and the construction of a new METRONET station at Lakelands along the Mandurah line.
“We’re delivering this package of critical road and rail projects sooner as part of our $100 billion pipeline which forms a key plank of our plan for a stronger economy,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said.
The new investment boost is anticipated to create up to 1,000 jobs in addition to the jobs being created through other State infrastructure projects which are already underway or in the pipeline.
“We’re already embarking on the biggest road and rail building program WA has ever seen.
“The bringing forward of funding by the Commonwealth also ensures that the State Government can get on with building the projects,” Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan said.
Project funding that will be brought forward will include:
- $283.6 million for the Bunbury Outer Ring Road
- $82.8 million for the Albany Ring Road
- $36.2 million for the Alice Springs to Halls Creek Corridor Upgrade
- $16 million for the Fremantle Traffic Bridge
- $156.7 million for the Karratha to Tom Price Corridor
- $40.8 million for the Newman to Katherine Corridor Upgrade
- $40.8 for the Port Augusta to Perth Corridor
- $159.9 million for the Tonkin Highway Gap
On the other hand, new infrastructure projects include:
- Mitchell Freeway (Hodges Drive to Hepburn Avenue) Widening southbound - estimated cost: $76 million
- Lakelands Station (Mandurah Line) - estimated cost: $80 million
- Great Northern Highway (Apple Street) Intersection Upgrade - estimated cost: $14 million
- Wanneroo Road (Morley Drive) Intersection Upgrade - estimated cost: $15 million
- Great Eastern Highway (Old Northam Road) upgrade two intersections at Wooroloo and Sawyers Valley - estimated cost: $14.375 million
- Reid Highway (Erindale Road) project development for grade separation - estimated cost: $2.5 million
“The package of works will significantly benefit all Western Australians now and in the future.
“These projects guarantee work for local trades and keep money flowing through local businesses throughout the construction phase and beyond,” Finance Minister Mathias Cormann said.
Federal Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said that construction of about $430 million worth of Urban Congestion Fund projects in Perth is a priority.
“This string of Urban Congestion Fund projects will bust congestion to save WA commuters and business precious time and money.
“We also want to improve the overall safety and capacity of Perth’s freeway system, which is why projects like the Mitchell Freeway widening, due to be completed in 2021, are crucial,” Mr Tudge said.
According to Western Australia Minister for Transport Rita Saffioti, the significant boost from the Australian and State Governments will add to the existing pipeline of road and rail projects across Western Australia.
“The package of works has something for Perth’s northern, eastern and southern suburbs which are all experiencing significant population growth.
“These road and rail projects will join a long pipeline of other major infrastructure developments such as METRONET that will create local jobs and set the foundation for our economy to grow,” Ms Saffioti said.
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Source: Government of Western Australia; WA Today; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure
