Western Australia’s 2023-24 Budget has been announced, showcasing $13.6 billion worth of investment over the next four years in transport infrastructure, including 23 new train stations.

The budget will include $5.9 billion for the government’s transformational METRONET program, including delivery of:

• Morley-Ellenbrook Line, with $620 million invested
• New Bayswater Station, with $83 million invested
• Yanchep Rail Extension, with $318 million invested
• Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, with $467 million invested
• Thornlie-Cockburn Link, with $220 million invested
• Byford Rail Extension, with $333 million invested
• 23 new train stations
• Removal of 16 level crossings
• 72km of new rail

The investment in the 2023-24 State Budget will continue the significant expansion of Perth’s passenger rail network through the METRONET program.

The investment also plans to boost local manufacturing through the delivery of locally built and manufactured C-series trains, and a fleet of new electric buses.

The first locally built and manufactured C-series train will begin operations late 2023.

Nearly $6.5 billion will be invested to improve the efficiency and safety of the Western Australian road network.

• Projects include:
• Tonkin Gap through Bayswater and Redcliffe
• Bunbury Outer Ring Road
• Albany Ring Road
• Bussell Highway Duplication
• Mitchell Freeway upgrades

The budget will also address the significant cost pressures that are currently impacting infrastructure delivery across the country.

Western Australian Transport Minister, Rita Saffioti, said this budget highlights yet again the Western Australian Government’s ongoing track record of investing in transport infrastructure, and projects that drive the economy, create jobs and improve the lives of all Western Australians.

“This budget will also address the significant cost pressures that are impacting the delivery of all infrastructure projects right now,” Ms Saffioti said.

“As a result of COVID and the war in Ukraine, there has been a major impact on supply chains, and we’ve seen unprecedented increases in the cost of materials and labour.

“Despite these impacts, we’ve worked closely with the Federal Government to ensure we get these critical projects delivered.

“Whilst we are seeing those costs increase, we continue to deliver our projects at a fraction of the cost of similar projects on the east coast.

Source: Link