METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line to create over 6500 local WA jobs

Western Australia’s METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line development has reached a significant milestone with the main construction contract – valued at $700 million – officially awarded to MELconnx Consortium. 

MELconnx Consortium – comprised of Laing O’Rourke Australia Construction – was named as the preferred proponent to deliver the main works. 

In addition, it has been revealed for the very first time that the Morley-Ellenbrook Line is estimated to create more than 6,500 local jobs which will bring a much-needed boost to the Western Australian economy. 

“Now more than ever, big infrastructure projects like METRONET’s Morley-Ellenbrook Line are imperative to WA’s COVID-19 economic recovery as they create a pipeline of works and supporting 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,” Premier Mark McGowan said. 

The main construction contract will include building the rail line as well as five new stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook. A future station will also be developed at Bennett Springs East. 

Early works are already underway on the new Bayswater Station – which is the site where the Morley-Ellenbrook Line will spur off the Midland Line – and the Tonkin Gap Project. 

The Tonkin Gap Project will include civil and structural works between Bayswater and Malaga, which will allow rail access in and out of Tonkin Highway. This project will prepare the corridor for rail to be laid as well. 

The main contract is estimated to have a total project budget of $1.1 billion, including contingency, escalation and ancillary costs. 

“All along the Morrison Government have said that METRONET will re-shape Perth and that transformation is underway all across the metropolitan area. 

“It means jobs right now and critical, targeted infrastructure for generations to come,” Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said. 

With the population in Perth’s north-eastern suburbs estimated to double by 2031, significant infrastructure such as the Morley-Ellenbrook Line are vital to support this growth. 

“The community have been waiting a long time for their railway. 

“Now the contract has been signed, the funding secured and early works are underway,” Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said. 

Project map (source: METRONET)

The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line will deliver a 21-kilometre rail line between Ellenbrook and Bayswater along with five new train stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook. 

The Morley-Ellenbrook Line will run from Bayswater Station on the Midland Line then travel in the centre of Tonkin Highway, through land north of Marshall Road and along the western side of Drumpellier Drive (formerly New Lord Street), ending in Ellenbrook – south of The Parkway. 

“Like many in my electorate, I am delighted that this project is finally moving ahead and I know it will make a significant difference to the everyday lives of those who’ve been waiting so patiently for it,” Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said. 

All main construction works are anticipated to be completed in 2023-24. 

Once completed, commuters will be able to travel from Ellenbrook Station to the CBD seamlessly for 30 minutes, without the need to transfer trains. The Morley-Ellenbrook Line is also expected to take over 10,000 vehicles off the roads in the north-eastern suburbs each day. 

Source: Government of Western Australia – Media Statements; Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure; METRONET