The McGowan Government has received its biggest funding commitment to date towards the Morley-Ellenbrook Line from Federal Labor, which has also committed $50 million for a new Railcar Manufacturing Facility in Bellevue.
Federal Labor today topped up its existing $700 million commitment towards the METRONET rail line to Ellenbrook to $850 million.
The $150 million funding boost helps the McGowan Government deliver the project, and will go towards the train line’s connection to Bayswater Station and integration into the Tonkin Highway.
These works will now be packaged with the Bayswater Station upgrade to deliver value for money while reducing local disruption during construction works.
Meanwhile, a further Federal Labor commitment of $50 million would fund construction of the new Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing Facility.
The facility is part of the McGowan Government’s $1.6 billion commitment to delivering 246 new railcars for METRONET. The Bellevue facility will become Perth’s new railcar assembly and maintenance centre, providing jobs for decades to come.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“Bill Shorten’s original $700 million commitment to the Morley-Ellenbrook Line put pressure on the Federal Government to commit $500 million as part of last year’s budget.
“This additional funding boost will help my Government get on with the job and deliver this important job-creating infrastructure for the growing north-eastern suburbs.
“Delivering the new Railcar Manufacturing Facility in Bellevue will help ensure we secure local jobs both in the assembly and maintenance of future METRONET railcars.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Federal Labor was the first Federal party to commit funding towards the Morley-Ellenbrook Line.
“The McGowan Government started planning for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line as soon as it took office, and we are excited by the funding package.
“This partnership with Federal Labor would reduce cost pressures on the State Government and help us deliver a vital link as part of METRONET.”
