WA secures record $1.3bn investment to deliver vital infrastructure

The Australian Government is bringing forward a record investment of approximately $1.3 billion to deliver infrastructure that Western Australia needs, including funding for major new projects, which will be announced in the upcoming Federal Budget. 

Key projects that will receive funding include: 

• $347.5 million for METRONET: Hamilton Street-Wharf Street Grade Separations and Elevation of Associated Stations, including Queens Park Station and Cannington Station and an enhanced METRONET Byford Rail Extension project, with new grade separated rail crossing at Armadale Road and an elevated station at Armadale 
• $200 million for the Great Eastern Highway Upgrades – Coates Gully, Walgoolan to Southern Cross and Ghooli to Benari 
• $160 million for the WA Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements – Package 1 
• $112.5 million for the Reid Highway – Altone Road and Daviot Road-Drumpellier Drive – Grade separated intersections 
• $85 million for the Perth Airport Precinct – Northern Access 
• $64 million for the Toodyay Road Upgrade – Dryandra to Toodyay 
• $55 million for the Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication 
• $31.5 million towards the METRONET High Capacity Signalling project 

The full list of projects to be funded by this record investment can be found here. 

“From upgrading the Great Easter Highway and building METRONET, to improving roads and rail lines that are crucial to our grain growers and farmers in the Great Southern and Wheatbelt – these projects will support more than 4,000 direct and indirect jobs across WA. 

“Our record funding commitment is boosting businesses and communities as part of the Government's National Economic Recovery Plan,” Prime Minister Scott Morrison said. 

The new funding commitment from this year's Budget is a key element in the Australian Government's plan to help Australia recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“In this Budget, the Federal Government will continue our strong record of infrastructure delivery as we lay the economic foundations for recovery from the pandemic. 

“Since April last year, we have delivered NorthLink WA – Northern and Central Sections, which received $556 million in federal funding. We also partnered with the Western Australian Government to deliver the Great Northern Highway – Muchea to Wubin Upgrade, with a $276 million federal investment,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

According to Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan, the additional $1.26 billion investment from the Australian Government will help ensure the State's pipeline of infrastructure works will carry on and continue providing an economic boost. 

"We are already embarking on the biggest road and rail investment program our State has ever seen. 

“This program has something for the city and regions, targeting major congestion pinch points in the eastern, northern and southern suburbs which are currently experiencing major population growth. 

“With nine METRONET projects under construction, as well as more than 50 major road projects, we're building the major infrastructure for tomorrow as well as creating the local jobs for today,” Premier McGowan said. 

Investments like this will help drive the delivery of vital infrastructure across the State as well as help build the local economy, create jobs and provide long-term certainty for local businesses. 

“Importantly, this budget includes significant funding for digital technology investments to support more efficient use of rail and road infrastructure, including METRONET signalling. This builds on the Morrison Government's existing investment in Intelligent Transport Systems across Perth. 

“Digital technology is transforming every aspect of modern life including transport, and with these investments Western Australia will be at the forefront,” Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher said. 

The Australian Government is providing significant funding in the upcoming Budget that will improve connectivity in regional Western Australia. 

“This includes the WA Agricultural Supply Chain Improvements projects to better connect our world-class farmers to domestic and international markets. 

“Regional WA is the backbone of our State, the powerhouse of our economy, and by backing supply chain improvements, we are supporting them to continue to lead our State's recovery,” Senator for Western Australia Michaelia Cash said. 

Western Australia Transport Minister Rita Saffioti welcomes the Australian Government's significant investment in infrastructure projects. 

“Today's funding announcement will ensure there is a pipeline of work for industry over the next five to six years. 

“Not only does this mean we have a plan for future works, it also provides industry with certainty, which will encourage and create more local jobs, apprenticeships and training opportunities. 

“Our Government has been working collaboratively with the Commonwealth to negotiate this funding and we will announce our allocations later this year in the State Budget,” Minister Saffioti said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Government of Western Australia - Media Statements