State Budget delivers for job-creating transport infrastructure

• $11.8 billion invested over next four years on new transport infrastructure
• Completion of METRONET projects to deliver major uplift in public transport network
• Two major rail projects on track for delivery this year
• A further three major projects to be delivered in 2025
• Strong investment in road projects across regional Western Australia to continue

The 2024-25 State Budget will continue the Cook Labor Government's strong track record of investment in transport projects and initiatives that drive jobs, boost the economy and support cost of living relief for households.

Over the next four years a total of $11.8 billion has been allocated for new road, rail and transport infrastructure projects across Western Australia, part of the Cook Government's overall $42.4 billion investment in new infrastructure across the State.

The 2024-25 State Budget provides $4.8 billion over the next four years to deliver the transformative METRONET program, supported by $2.9 billion in funding from the Commonwealth Government.

This includes an additional $254 million in State Government investment for the METRONET infrastructure program in this State Budget, with the Yanchep Rail Extension to commence operations in July, the historic Morley-Ellenbrook Line on track to be completed by the end of 2024, and a further three major rail projects expected to be delivered in 2025 (the Victoria Park-Canning Level Crossing Removal, Byford Rail Extension and Thornlie-Cockburn Link).

Completion of these five major METRONET rail projects will see the delivery of:

• 17 new train stations;
• 61.5 kilometres of new tracks;
• 5.5 kilometres of new elevated rail;
• six hectares of new public open space; and
• the first east-west connecting rail between the Mandurah and Armadale Lines.

The METRONET program has also seen the removal of 15 level crossings around Perth.

A total of $13.4 billion will be invested on the State's roads over the next four years, to deliver new infrastructure, upgrade and maintain existing roads, manage the network and undertake future planning. This will include $4.5 billion of investment in regional WA. Additional funding has also been allocated to address unavoidable cost increases for labour, equipment and key materials.

Major projects currently being delivered across the State include:

• Bunbury Outer Ring Road;
• Albany Ring Road;
• Causeway Pedestrian and Cyclist Bridges;
• sealing of the Tanami Road; and
• Mandurah Estuary Bridge Duplication.

Funding will also continue to be invested in the Regional Road Safety Program, the biggest road safety initiative ever undertaken in Western Australia. The program is delivering low-cost safety treatments like sealed shoulders and audible edge lines to the State's entire regional road network.

To date, nearly $1 billion has been invested into the program delivering upgrades to around 8,500 kilometres of the State's regional road network. That number is expected to grow to around 9,000 kilometres by the end of the 2024-25 financial year.

The Cook Government will also invest additional funding into a number of new and existing transport initiatives including:

• $53.6 million towards the replacement of the single-lane Brooking Channel Bridge in the Kimberley;
• $38 million for the replacement of the Congdon Street Bridge;
• $29.3 million for upgrades to regional and remote airstrips;
• $18.7 million to replace Barrack Street Jetty One;
• $10.3 million to permanently expand the routes for the Red and Blue CAT buses;
• $10 million to expand school zone speed limits to all warden-controlled crossings;
• $5.2 million to expand the Zero Emission Vehicle Rebate scheme; and
• $2 million for a feasibility investigation into an expansion of Perth ferry services.

Transport is also a key feature of the Cook Government's cost of living package, with $125 million being allocated in the State Budget for a range of initiatives including:

• $64.5 million for the Regional Airfare Zone Cap scheme;
• $21 million for school students to access free public transport;
• $20 million for free public transport for all SmartRider holders during the January 2024 Summer period and on Sundays; and
• $20.3 million to increase the Regional Pensioner Travel Card by $100 (from $575 to $675), to further assist eligible pensioners in the regions with the cost of fuel and/or taxi travel.

For more information, visit ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"My Government is investing in transport infrastructure to set up our State for decades to come, and this Budget continues our strong track record of delivering for our future.

"Through METRONET, we're transforming Perth's suburbs, slashing congestion and creating jobs in the community.

"Right across WA we're investing in our road network, including billions of dollars for major regional road projects and upgrades, improving road safety and cutting travel times for regional Western Australians."

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"Our Government is absolutely focused on ensuring we deliver a better transport system for the WA community, with significant investment across regional Western Australia and in Perth over the next four years.

"The strong investment in this State Budget will see a significant number of major projects delivered over the next 12 to 18 months - including the Morley-Ellenbrook Line, Yanchep Rail Extension, Thornlie-Cockburn Link and upgrades to the Armadale Line.

"All up, we will see 17 new train stations delivered, more than 61 kilometres of new track and more than six hectares of new public open space - fundamentally transforming our rail network and many parts of Perth.

"Not only will these projects connect thousands of people to our rail network for the first time, but they will also help families with cost of living pressures by providing better access to our two-zone fare cap scheme, which allows a person to travel anywhere on our public transport network for no more than about five dollars.

"The Budget will also continue our strong investment on the regional road network, with major projects like the Albany Ring Road, Bunbury Outer Ring Road and Bussell Highway Duplication all on track for completion in the next 12 months."

Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David Michael:

"The significant allocation of funding for transport infrastructure and initiatives in the 2024-25 State Budget highlights the Cook Government's commitment to providing Western Australians with a world-class transport network across road, rail and ferry services.

"The $18.7 million revamp of Jetty One at Barrack Square will breathe new life into the precinct, supporting improvements to tourism and charter operations on the Swan River.

"The investment of a further $5.2 million in the Government's Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Rebate scheme will help make electric vehicle ownership more affordable for more Western Australians.

"Since the announcement of the ZEV rebate in 2022, electric vehicle sales in WA have grown significantly, with an almost fourfold increase since June 2022.

"Having so many people buy electric vehicles is a step in the right direction as we pursue our goal to reach net zero emissions by 2050."