Transport Minister Simon O'Brien has revealed that the state government is seeking federal funding for transport projects in Perth and Port Hedland costing a total of $1.3 billion.
Transport Minister Simon O'Brien has revealed that the state government is seeking federal funding for transport projects in Perth and Port Hedland costing a total of $1.3 billion.
Speaking at the fifth annual Australian Road Summit in Brisbane, Mr O'Brien acknowledged the federal government's commitment to delivering $1.4 billion in new funds to the state under the Nation Building Program.
However he said extra funding was still being sought for other important projects.
These include $700 million for a range of improvements to Perth's urban transport system and freight corridors, and $600 million to fix transport issues associated with iron ore exports through Port Hedland.
Mr O'Brien emphasised the state government is focused on keeping WA moving by providing immediate jobs and long-term investment on which to build the state's economic future.
Full announcement below:
Transport investment to help shield WA from financial downturn
Portfolio: Transport
Continued improvements to Western Australia's transport system would help shield the State from the full effects of the global economic downturn, Transport Minister Simon O'Brien told the fifth annual Australian Road Summit in Brisbane today.
The State Government's strategic investment in capital works would help the State prepare for more prosperous times ahead.
Mr O'Brien told delegates the absence of toll roads in WA, unlike in many other States, was guaranteed under his stewardship.
"The State Government is focused on keeping WA moving by providing immediate jobs and long-term investment on which to build our economic future," he said.
"A total of $7.7billion has been invested in capital works projects already under way - an increase of $1.7billion on the previous year.
"In addition, through the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) and other forums, WA is working closely with Canberra to secure important funding for projects such as Ord River Stage 2, of which $190million has already been committed, and the construction of the new port at Oakajee.
"It is projects like these that will underpin the economic future of WA and the nation - without relying on forcing tolls on people as a means of delivering road infrastructure."
The Minister said the State Government's investment in the transport system included:
- the extension of Perth's northern passenger rail line to Butler and Brighton
- moves to increase capacity on the entire passenger rail system
- major projects at Bunbury to improve port access and safety
- improved freight access in the Perth metropolitan area, particularly between the Canning Vale industrial area and Fremantle Port
- a $20million allocation to finalise planning and start construction of the Roe Highway extension from Kwinana Freeway to Stock Road.
While acknowledging the Federal Government's commitment to delivering $1.4billion in new funds to the State under the Nation Building Program, Mr O'Brien said extra funding was still being sought for other important projects.
These include $700million for a range of improvements to Perth's urban transport system and freight corridors, and $600million to fix transport issues associated with iron ore exports through Port Hedland," he said.
