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Industry News, Latest News, Projects, Western Australia

METRONET gets $4.1B to create thousands of construction jobs

Thornlie-Cockburn Link

In a move to create thousands of construction jobs, Perth’s METRONET rail project will receive $4.1 billion in funding from the Western Australian Government’s 2019-2020 Budget.

The project aims to connect Perth’s suburbs with public transport with around 72 kilometres of new passenger rail and up to 18 new stations.

More than $2 billion in funding from the Federal Government has been secured for the project, which is significantly more than expected, according to the WA Government.

Around $965 million will be spent on the METRONET project next financial year, with construction of a manufacturing facility for 246 new rail cars to be announced later this year.

WA Premier Mark McGowan said the construction of the project would create thousands of jobs.

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“Creating jobs is a key focus of the Budget and with a record investment for METRONET, we are creating a pipeline of work for Western Australians,” he said.

“Because we have secured Commonwealth funding, with support from both sides of politics in Canberra, we are delivering METRONET with minimal impact on the State’s finances.”

The state budget also details a number of projects to be funded, including $536 million to build the Thornlie-Cockburn Link, $520 million to build the Yanchep Rail Extension, and $146 million to build the new Bayswater Station, each of which are expected to begin construction later in 2019.

An additional $1.2 billion will be allocated for projects in detailed planning stages, including the Byford Rail Extension, Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Midland Station Project and new Karnup Station.

Construction will also begin on removing the Denny Avenue level crossing in Kelmscott, with planning also underway on removing the Wharf Street, Hamilton Street and William Street level crossings.

The Forrestfield-Airport Link project will receive $315 million in 2019-2020, with the first trains expected to be running in the second half of 2021.

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the METRONET project will set up the city for the long term.

“This Budget includes an exciting vision for the Armadale Line – a boom gate blitz – that could see up to seven level crossings removed and nearby train stations turned into vibrant community precincts,” Saffioti said.

“The State Government has delivered the biggest passenger rail investment in WA history in this METRONET Budget and at every opportunity we are maximising WA jobs.”

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