Monday 8 May

WA Liberal Senator Linda Reynolds has welcomed a Federal Government decision to allocate $700 million to put towards future rail projects such as the Thornlie rail extension.
The funding was part of the $2.3 billion road and rail agreement between the Turnbull and McGowan governments, which would fund 17 new projects and was expected to create 6,000 new jobs,
The package includes funding additional future projects like the 17.5 kilometre extension of the Thornlie rail line to Cockburn.
Senator Reynolds said she had written to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester last month to advocate for partial Commonwealth funding and also Premier Mark McGowan asking for the project to be prioritised.
“This rail connection will link the outer south and east metropolitan region of Perth, both of which have high concentrations of skilled workers, as well as vocational training centres and fabrication, manufacturing and industrial centres,” she said.
“This connection will also enhance access to the Australian Marine Complex, home of Western Australia’s thriving shipbuilding industry and our growing defence sector.
“The rail extension will provide an efficient option for commuters in Perth’s rapidly growing south-east metropolitan and I’m delighted the Federal Liberal Government has recognised that need and allocated funding for important projects such as this.”
Senator Reynolds said now that federal funding was available the McGowan Government should adopt the former State Liberal Government’s already well advanced plans, so that the project completed quickly.
“The former State Liberal Government had already fully costed this critically important project and had begun the necessary first stage of grade separating the crossing at Nicholson Road in Canning Vale,” she said.
“Now it’s time for the State Labor Government to get the project back on track and adopt the existing plans.”

Ends – Media Contact – Amy Blom – 0431 685 372 or 08 9368 6633