Infrastructure Australia's priority list recognises WA projects

• Western Australia has 15 nationally significant projects or initiatives on the list, compared to seven in 2016
• Morley-Ellenbrook Line features on priority list for the first time
• Greater focus on METRONET, which is now a nationally significant project
• Planning underway for all new State-identified initiatives on list 

The State Government has welcomed the inclusion of new Western Australian initiatives, including METRONET, in Infrastructure Australia's latest Infrastructure Priority List released today.

This year's priority list has two 'projects' and 13 'initiatives' for WA transport infrastructure, compared with just one project and six initiatives in 2016, highlighting the State Government's increased engagement with Infrastructure Australia.

The priority list classes 'projects' as an infrastructure solution that has been positively assessed and is underway, and 'initiatives' as infrastructure opportunities that have not yet completed the IA assessment process.

New 'initiative' listings include:

• Morley-Ellenbrook Line (Transport Connectivity between Morley and Ellenbrook);
• Fremantle Traffic Bridge;
• Tonkin Highway Gap;
• Karratha-Tom Price Road; and
• Canning Bridge crossing capacity and interchange (IA identified initiative). 

The Yanchep Rail Extension was assessed as one of eight 'High Priority Projects' as it will provide more transport choices for residents and reduce demand on the roads, particularly in peak periods.

Meanwhile, the Thornlie-Cockburn Link is one of 10 'Priority Projects' and will promote urban renewal along the line, relieve pressure on existing stations and reduce road congestion.

The full list is available on the Infrastructure Australia website.

Comments attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:

"The inclusion of more WA projects and initiatives on the 2019 Infrastructure Priority List is testament to this Government's focus on METRONET and fixing congestion.

"While we expected IA to assess the Morley-Ellenbrook Line as a more urgent project, we expect its urgency will be upgraded as the Business Case process is finalised.

"The Bayswater Station upgrade forms the first step for the Morley-Ellenbrook Line and construction begins late 2019.

"The more projects on this list, the better for WA. It helps the State Government's requests to the Commonwealth to help fund local projects.

"I am also pleased to see the addition of Karratha-Tom Price Road as an initiative, which will strengthen our case in getting funding support from the Commonwealth to supplement the State Government's $50 million contribution.

"I am disappointed the Albany Ring Road has been excluded again, however, the State Government still has $35 million allocated and we will continue to pressure the Federal Government to put forward funding towards the project."

Minister's office - 6552 5500