Two of Western Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects get a priority boost
Two of Western Australia’s biggest infrastructure projects—the Thornlie–Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension projects—have been granted priority status by Infrastructure Australia, paving the way for construction.
Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said the independent advisory board had added the projects—part of Western Australia’s METRONET rail program—to its Infrastructure Priority List.
“Being added to this list means WA is a step closer to solving some major congestion issues,” Mr Tudge said.
These projects will bust congestion on Perth’s road and rail networks, it’s a $700 million contribution from the Coalition Government towards completing these rail links which will have a huge impact on everyday life in the city, and the state.
The METRONET
Thornlie–Cockburn Link will enhance the existing passenger rail network by providing a 17.5-kilometre extension connecting the existing Thornlie Rail Line to Cockburn Central Station on the Mandurah Line.
Connecting the Mandurah and Armadale lines will also open up new opportunities for integrated liveable communities around the proposed Nicholson Road Station and better public transport connections for the light industrial area surrounding Ranford Road.
Mr Tudge said Infrastructure priority listing of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the Yanchep Rail Extension is a significant METRONET milestone.
“It demonstrates why the Australian Government committed $3.2 billion in the 2018–19 Budget for network shaping projects in Western Australia such as METRONET, which together are expected to generate over 20,000 jobs across the state,” Federal Member for Pearce Christian Porter said the Yanchep Rail Extension project will extend the existing Joondalup Line railway a further 14.5 kilometres between Butler and Yanchep, with new stations, bus interchanges and park-and-ride facilities at Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep.
“The project is expected to stimulate new employment opportunities in the Yanchep area, address road congestion through enhanced connections and support future sustainable land use planning,” Mr Porter said. “These new links will transform the areas they travel through from under-utilised industrial or rural areas to bustling new urban centres with a host of residential and business opportunities.
“More than 3,000 jobs are expected to be created over the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and Yanchep Rail Extension projects.”
