New proposal for sinking of the Northbridge railway lines

18/6/03
The State Government is working with the City of Perth on an agreement to deliver the sinking of the railway lines between the Perth CBD and Northbridge.
Planning and Infrastructure Minister Alannah MacTiernan said the Government had initially considered seeking expressions of interest for development of the Northbridge land as a means of funding the project.
"After an approach from the City of Perth, I have agreed, in principle, to an arrangement where the city would fund the sinking of the rail lines in exchange for State Government land interests," Ms MacTiernan said.
"NewMetroRail is working with the City of Perth to develop design concepts and cost estimates for sinking the railway lines.
"This will enable the city to weigh up its options before entering into an agreement with the Government."
The Minister said the City of Perth had responded to the Government offer and indicated it wanted to take on the land development role.
In return for the State Government delivering its land interests over the site, the city would fund the construction costs for the additional work.
"The State Government has consistently said it would sink the Joondalup line as far as Lake Street but sinking the Fremantle line and further sinking of the Joondalup line are contingent on land development opportunities covering the cost," Ms MacTiernan said.
"The city will be able to determine its preferred option for sinking the lines and the extent of the future development at Northbridge."
The Minister said tender documentation for the New MetroRail City Project was released to the two short-listed consortia (CityConnect and Leighton-Kumagai Gumi) on June 16.
"Our contract includes a pricing structure that has sufficient flexibility to accommodate any option the city might choose to adopt," she said.
"We expect the final and firm costs for the additional works by early 2004."
The City Project contract is expected to be awarded by early 2004, with construction to start soon afterwards. Rail services on the South-West Metropolitan Railway are planned to start before the end of 2006.
Ms MacTiernan said the State Government was committed to providing an accessible, safe and efficient public transport system.
Minister's office: 9213 6400