The McGowan Labor Government is investing a record $4.1 billion in METRONET job-creating projects to connect Perth suburbs with world-class public transport.
The 2019-20 METRONET Budget builds on last year’s Budget, as the McGowan Government continues to deliver on the METRONET vision it took to the 2017 State Election.
The McGowan Government has successfully secured more than $2 billion in Commonwealth funding for METRONET projects – significantly more than expected – which has allowed the State to get on and build METRONET financially responsibly.
Included in this State Budget is:
- $536 million to build the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, with construction expected to start later this year;
- $520 million to build the Yanchep Rail Extension, with construction expected to start later this year;
- $146 million to build the new Bayswater Station, the first stage of the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, with construction expected to start later this year;
- $207.5 million over the forward estimates to remove level crossings on the Armadale Line at Oats Street, Mint Street and Welshpool Road; and
- $1.2 billion allocation for projects in detailed planning stages, including the Byford Rail Extension, Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Midland Station Project and new Karnup Station.
In addition, construction on the project to remove the dangerous Denny Avenue level crossing in Kelmscott will start later this year. Planning to remove the Wharf Street, Hamilton Street and William Street level crossings on the Armadale line is also underway as is further work on the Caledonian Avenue crossing on the Midland Line.
Funding continues to flow to build 246 new METRONET railcars, as part of a 10-year program worth $1.6 billion. The successful tenderer to manufacture the new railcars will be announced later this year. This will include construction of the new manufacturing facility at Bellevue.
Estimated Public Transport Authority projects expenditure in 2019-20 includes:
- $59.6 million for the Radio Systems Replacement Project;
- $37.7 million for future urban railcar procurement, construction of a new maintenance facility at Kenwick and upgrades to the Nowergup Depot;
- $18.3 million to update the existing SmartRider ticketing system;
- $7 million for final Optus Stadium Transport Project works;
- $2.6 million for planning of a multi-storey car park at Mandurah Station; and
- $3 million to plan and fund a rail link from Bunbury freight line to Kemerton Industrial Park.
The Forrestfield-Airport Link project is expected to receive $315 million in 2019-20, with the first trains expected to be running in the second half of 2021.
For more 2019-20 State Budget information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“My Government is getting on with the job and building METRONET.
“Not only will it create a more sustainable and connected city as we continue to grow, the construction of METRONET will create thousands and thousands of jobs.
“Creating jobs is a key focus of the Budget and with a record investment for METRONET, we are creating a pipeline of work for Western Australians.
“Because we have secured Commonwealth funding, with support from both sides of politics in Canberra, we are delivering METRONET with minimal impact on the State’s finances.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“The McGowan Government is building METRONET and setting up our city for the long term.
“METRONET is a perfect example of this Government getting things done.
“This Budget includes an exciting vision for the Armadale Line – a boom gate blitz – that could see up to seven level crossings removed and nearby train stations turned into vibrant community precincts.
“The McGowan Government has delivered the biggest passenger rail investment in WA history in this METRONET Budget and at every opportunity we are maximising WA jobs.”
