Opposition promise to 'fast track' transport systems pre-empted by Govt

18/3/95

Labor's commitment to 'fast track' extensions of the Mitchell Freeway and northern suburbs passenger rail system has been described as phoney because necessary preliminary works are already being performed by the State Government.

Transport Minister Eric Charlton said it was silly of the Opposition to promise to start work on the Currambine to Merriwa section of the passenger rail network within one year of government when construction would need a lead time of between three and five years.

"If by 'work' the Opposition means forward planning, that is already well under way," Mr Charlton said.

"Westrail is working with Main Roads, the Departments of Transport and Planning and Urban Development and the City of Wanneroo to identify railway reserve north of Currambine.

"Authorities are also planning station stops, and have so far identified sites at Clarkson, Merriwa and Alkimos."

Mr Charlton said similar planning was under way for the freeway extension, with a Metropolitan Regional Scheme reservation in place to Burns Beach Road and further planning for reserving land up to Alkimos.

"All this work does not mean an immediate start to construction," Mr Charlton said.

"Those decisions will be taken by the Government in future, based on the rate of development in those far northern suburbs and the availability of funds.

"In the case of road extensions, the Labor Party, which has opposed the Government over attempts to have the Commonwealth increase road funding and the State's 10 year road expansion and improvement program, will need to change its attitude drastically.

"The Opposition has put forward a plan that looks admirable on the surface, but does not stand up to scrutiny.  Planning for both these expansions of transport infrastructure are progressing - the Opposition gives no recognition of this and offers no explanation for how it intends funding the projects."

Mr Charlton said the Opposition's fifth point was a nonsense because Perth bus services were not being privatised and there was no suggestion of cutting back on services.

"The Opposition has again resorted to scare tactics.  We have embarked on a competitive tendering system that is bringing down the running costs of MetroBus and so the general cost to all taxpayers of running the public transport system.

"We will end up with a mix of services provided by MetroBus and private operators, offering customers innovative and high quality services."

Media contact:  Dean Roberts 321 7333