The first tracks have been laid on the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line, marking a major milestone for the game-changing project in Perth's northeast - the biggest expansion of the city's rail network since the Mandurah line.
The first section of rail will see approximately 1.5 kilometres of ballast and sleepers installed north of Whiteman Park Station through to the Gnangara Underpass and along Drumpellier Drive.
Specialised equipment has been used to undertake the feat, including a ballast box spreader which positions the ballast and an excavator with an 'octopus' attachment to position the sleepers.
The $1.1 billion project is jointly funded by the Federal and State Governments and is the longest METRONET project.
The 21-kilometre Morley-Ellenbrook Train Line also represents the most significant expansion of the Perth rail system since the Mandurah Line opened in 2007.
It includes new stations at Morley, Noranda, Malaga, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook, with patronage expected to reach 18,000 people boarding per day by 2031.
The project will support the area's growth as a major activity centre, while making the most of development opportunities nearby, including for new housing.
The journey from Ellenbrook to Perth City will only take 30 minutes once complete, giving those living in the north-eastern suburbs greater transport choice, reduced travel times and new modern stations.
Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The start of track laying on the METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line project demonstrates our Government's commitment to delivering vital transport infrastructure for Perth's growing suburbs, improving amenity and travel times to the city.
"This is an exciting next step as we continue to build the infrastructure that commuters in this fast-growing area need and deserve.
"This project will drive real short-term employment and economic boost while delivering essential infrastructure that will continue to be beneficial well into the future."
Quotes attributable to Western Australian Premier Mark McGowan:
"We promised to build the Morley-Ellenbrook line - and my Government is delivering.
"This is the biggest milestone to date on a project that will transform our north-eastern suburbs, with works now underway from Ellenbrook right through to Morley and Bayswater.
"We are getting on with delivering METRONET right across our suburbs - slashing travel times, improving safety and building strong communities while creating thousands of local jobs and opportunities for local business."
Quotes attributable to Western Australian Minister for Transport; Planning; Ports Rita Saffioti:
"The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Train Line is a game-changer for communities in Perth's northeast, and seeing the first tracks being laid is another strong indication of our Government getting on with the job.
"This is Perth's biggest public transport project since the Mandurah Line and will support more than 6,500 jobs and help shape vibrant communities.
"Once the project is operational, there will be a 50 per cent reduction in public transport times between Ellenbrook and Perth, with only a 30-minute journey to the city.
"The two-zone cap will also make travel accessible and affordable for commuters - helping people to save potentially thousands of dollars a year."
Quotes attributable to Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister and Federal Member for Perth Patrick Gorman:
"This is a city-shaping project which will benefit the people of Perth both now and in the long term, supporting thousands of jobs as well as greater public transport innovation and efficiency in our neck of the woods.
"This is yet another example of how the Australian Government is committed to supporting more efficient, resilient and integrated transport solutions for Perth.
"The METRONET Morley-Ellenbrook Line project is a welcome expansion to the Perth rail system which will add convenience and reduce travel times to and from the city."
Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Hasluck Tania Lawrence:
"This work will provide convenient travel options to match the future development of Perth's north-east, which includes new housing.
"Projects like this create jobs as well as business opportunities, which is important as the area continues to grow.
"This project will improve connectivity and travel time for commuters, not only for nearby stops but all the way into the city."
WA Premier's office - 6552 5000
WA Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500
