The Federal Government's allocation of an extra $40 million for vital rail infrastructure is recognition of Western Australia's need for a fairer share of transport infrastructure funding, according to Alannah MacTiernan.
Ms MacTiernan, the state Planning and Infrastructure Minister, said today's commitment vindicated the Gallop Government's recent campaign for a better deal from Canberra when it came to road and rail funding.
"WA covers a third of Australia and generates a third of national income from exports, yet we get just 7.4 per cent of Federal road funding and only 0.8 per cent of Federal rail funding," the Minister said.
"Today's announcement goes some way towards providing WA with a fairer share.
"During the past few months, we have been locked in intense negotiations with the Commonwealth, trying to secure funding for these projects.
"Today's announcement is acknowledgement that WA deserves a better deal."
The additional funding includes:
$28.1million for the East-West Rail Link. This work will increase the capacity of the interstate line by extending eight passing loops and re-sleepering 76km of track; and
$11.5million for the grade separation of Daddow Road and the railway line to improve rail and road access and safety to the Kewdale and Forrestfield industrial areas.
The Minister said today's announcement augured well for a speedy resolution to the current impasse between the State Government and the Commonwealth over the AusLink funding agreement.
"The extra money is a positive sign for ongoing AusLink negotiations," she said.
"While we welcome this commitment, there is no doubt that WA has been under-funded by Canberra for many years when it comes to transport infrastructure."
