Extension of northern suburbs transit system to Neerabup Drive, Clarkson

20/11/96

The Northern Suburbs Transit System will be extended to Neerabup Drive Clarkson at a cost of $40 million, Premier Richard Court announced today.

The Premier said the Coalition Government's plan to extend the railway line highlighted the Labor Opposition's incompetence in costing its election promises.

"The Department of Transport has costed the Coalition's planned extension of the railway line to Neerabup Drive at $28 million," he said.

"But the Opposition wants to take the railway several kilometres further on to Hester Avenue, which they say will cost $25 million. That is wrong - Transport have costed the Hester Avenue rail line extension at $42 million.

"Then there is a catch - to cope with the extra passengers during peak times, allow for the extra distance and to maintain the frequency of service, provision must be made for extra rolling stock.

"That will cost a minimum of $12 million.

"The Labor Party is $17 million short in its costings. If you include rolling stock it is $29 million short.

"We have budgeted $40 million for the line and rolling stock.

"Dr Gallop is being extremely irresponsible in making these commitments.

"It is yet another example of how quickly Labor would blow the State's stable financial situation out of the window."

The Premier said the Government would extend the railway line in stages from Currambine to Alkimos in the short to medium term and from Alkimos to Two Rocks in the longer term, serving more than a quarter of a million people between the coast and Wanneroo Road from Ocean Reef Road to Two Rocks.

The route between Currambine to Alkimos had already been defined along the western side of the Mitchell Freeway, with major interchange stations at Neerabup Road, Clarkson, Lukin Drive, Butler and Romeo Roads at the south end of Alkimos.

Provision had been made for a new electric railcar stowage, cleaning and servicing depot between Currambine and Clarkson.

Construction could start on the Clarkson extension within 15 months of completion of initial planning.

The extension to Alkimos would be a longer-term project.

The Premier said the expansion of the system could only go ahead according to the amount of money available in the budget.

"It is no different from the family budget - we can only spend what is there, otherwise we are in debt," he said.

"The Government knows what is in the budget and we know what the State can afford.

"It is deceitful for the Opposition Leader to head into the northern suburbs trying to buy votes with money the State simply does not have."

Media contact: Casey Cahill 222 9475