The McGowan Labor Government continues to deliver its transformational METRONET program, with more than $5.7 billion allocated over the next four years in the 2021-22 State Budget to deliver a number of major job-creating projects.
METRONET is being delivered in a financially responsible manner with more than $1.8 billion secured from the Commonwealth Government and allocated to projects over the next four years.
The first METRONET project was recently completed with the opening of the Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility in June.
The local railcar construction and building program is underway at Bellevue with $206.9 million to be spent in 2021‑22.
Funding in 2021-22 for METRONET projects nearing completion includes:
- $353.5 million for the Forrestfield-Airport Link, due for completion in the first half of 2022;
- $15 million for the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal, with the level crossing removed in April and associated water main and roadworks to be completed later this year;
- $14.5 million for the Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park, also to be completed later this year.
The 2021-22 State Budget includes funding for other major METRONET projects under construction, including the Morley-Ellenbrook Line; the Thornlie-Cockburn Link; the Yanchep Rail Extension; the new Bayswater Station project; the new Lakelands Station; and the Thomas Road Bridge, as part of the Byford Rail Extension.
Funding in 2021-22 for METRONET projects under procurement includes:
- the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal;
- the Byford Rail Extension;
- the High Capacity Signalling program.
The 2021-22 Budget has also allocated $44 million across the forward estimates for one new METRONET project and two planning studies:
- $38 million to deliver a 700 bay multi‑storey car park at Greenwood Station, a key McGowan Government commitment at the 2021 State Election;
- $6 million to undertake a North East Rapid Transit feasibility study to look at future links between the East Wanneroo corridor and the Perth CBD; and complete an overarching land use and transport plan for Wanneroo Road between Beach Road and Green Street.
An additional $15 million has also been allocated across the forward estimates towards upgrading key roads in Maylands to support the closure of the Caledonian Avenue level crossing in the first half of 2022.
METRONET is creating thousands of local jobs, providing opportunities for local businesses, and transforming Perth's public transport network as part of the McGowan Government's pipeline of infrastructure works for WA.
The 15 METRONET projects planned, under construction or complete include:
- Forrestfield-Airport Link;
- Morley-Ellenbrook Line;
- Thornlie-Cockburn Link;
- Yanchep Rail Extension;
- New Bayswater Station;
- New Lakelands Station;
- New Midland Station;
- Bellevue Railcar Manufacturing and Assembly Facility;
- Mandurah Station Multi-Storey Car Park;
- Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal;
- Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal (five crossings and elevated rail);
- Byford Rail Extension (including Thomas Road Bridge Over Rail);
- High Capacity Signalling Project;
- Public Transport Operations Control Centre;
- Greenwood Multi-Storey Car Park.
For more information, visit https://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"We are continuing work on our major program of METRONET works, with 15 job-creating projects completed, planned, in procurement or under construction.
"These projects are able to be delivered in a fiscally responsible way due to our strong budget management, and work to secure Commonwealth funding for METRONET.
"This program of works is creating thousands of local jobs, setting up WA's transport network for the future and providing opportunities for local businesses, apprentices and trainees."
As stated by Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"The METRONET program has expanded significantly over the past few years and now has a much wider scope with 15 projects planned or underway.
"Earlier this year we opened our first METRONET project, the Bellevue railcar facility, returning railcar manufacturing to Midland and creating hundreds of ongoing local jobs.
"Another three major projects are on track to be completed before the end of the financial year, including the Forrestfield-Airport Link, the Denny Avenue Level Crossing Removal and the Mandurah Multi-Storey Car Park.
"We are also starting planning work on our next METRONET projects, including the Greenwood Multi-Storey Car Park.
"It's an exciting time for METRONET, and I look forward to seeing works commence on our other major projects early next year, including the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal and major works on the Byford Rail Extension."
