Morley-Ellenbrook preferred proponent named

Laing O'Rourke has been named the preferred proponent to design and construct the Metronet Morley-Ellenbrook rail line.

That contract will be the largest of four packages delivering the project once awarded, and include construction of rail lines and stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook.

Premier Mark McGowan said the Ellenbrook community had fought for these works and that the final contract award now only weeks away.

"This has been talked about for decades and is a big step forward for this project, which will transform Perth's growing north-eastern suburbs and benefit the local and surrounding communities," he said.

"Now more than ever, big infrastructure projects like Metronet's Morley-Ellenbrook Line are imperative to WA's COVID-19 economic recovery as it creates a pipeline of work and supports thousands of jobs.

"This year alone we have seven Metronet projects underway and through our Building for Tomorrow program, we are creating lasting infrastructure for generations to come while creating thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local businesses."

The federal and state government will jointly fund development of the new train line.