The McGowan Government is building Western Australia’s economy back-up from the pandemic by embarking on Building for Tomorrow, the biggest transport infrastructure program WA has seen.
The Building for Tomorrow program launched today provides the community with information and updates on WA’s major transport projects, how construction may affect their travel through the State, and assists people in making informed travel choices to minimise disruption.
More than $6.5 billion has been committed to major infrastructure projects over the next two years, with $260 million anticipated to be spent on transport portfolio works monthly, building to $280 million a month in the 2021-22 financial year.
Of this $6.5 billion, $2 billion is being spent on regional projects with up to $100 million to be spent in the regions monthly.
Major infrastructure projects have also been fast-tracked in response to COVID-19 including the Mitchell Freeway extension to Romeo Road, the Tonkin Gap project through Bayswater and the Albany Ring Road.
The METRONET construction program is well underway, with seven projects to be underway in 2020, helping support local jobs and the State’s economic recovery. These include:
- Forrestfield-Airport Link
- Bayswater Station, the first stage of the Morley-Ellenbrook Line
- Thornlie-Cockburn Link
- Yanchep Rail Extension
- Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility
- Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal
- Mandurah Station multi-storey car park
A number of other METRONET projects are also currently being planned and will add to the pipeline of work that will transform our rail network once complete.
Additionally, the State Government’s $146 million investment in cycling infrastructure continues both in metropolitan and regional areas, which will introduce 150km of path to the transport network.
The McGowan Government is working collaboratively with project partners on several transformative marine infrastructure projects including the Ocean Reef Marina, Spoilbank Marina at Port Hedland, and the Jetty Road causeway upgrade as part of the Transforming Bunbury’s Waterfront project.
The total cost of the campaign, as outlined in the 2019-20 Mid-Year Review is $6.2 million over two years, less than 0.1 per cent of the total transport infrastructure spend.
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As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
“As part of our WA Recovery Plan we’re making immediate investments in job-creating initiatives to help us rebound stronger than ever, and we’re also pushing ahead with the biggest ever investment in transport infrastructure.
“I know road works and the associated traffic delays are frustrating, but the benefits in the long run means we have long lasting infrastructure for years and years to come.
“Our unprecedented transport infrastructure, including METRONET, means there will be delays, but it’s about building for tomorrow and supporting WA jobs.
“These major works will remove bottlenecks and ease congestion, making it easier for Western Australians as we travel around the suburbs and around our regions.”
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
“Over the next two years there will be a construction boom setting the foundation for Perth to keep pace with population growth – you won’t be able to visit anywhere in WA without seeing works underway and hard hats on the ground.
“In the long term, these projects will improve travel times, increase choices to the public in how they move around, and better connect areas of Perth and regional WA.
“All efforts will be made to co-ordinate works with minimal impact to the public but with an investment of this scale, construction will undoubtedly cause disruption to commuters in the short-term.
“It is important the public are aware of the disruptions near them, understand why the works are going on and when they are expected to be completed.
“The Building for Tomorrow campaign and website will build awareness of the specific works and assist the public in making informed travel choices.”
