Joint media statement - Wanted: Contractor to build Perth's new METRONET rail lines

The search for a company to deliver two major METRONET projects has begun, with the release of a Request for Proposal to the market today.

The RFP calls on construction companies to deliver the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the Yanchep Rail Extension under a bundled competitive alliance model. It will represent one of WA's biggest ever package of infrastructure works.

Federal Minister for Cities, Urban Infrastructure and Population Alan Tudge said METRONET was a city-shaping project and a critical investment to meeting the demands of population growth for Perth.

"The projects will bring together new rail infrastructure and new urban centres around stations to improve liveability and tackle congestion in Western Australia," Mr Tudge said.

"Our $11 billion investment in roads and rail across Western Australia will create jobs and support economic growth and includes $3.2 billion in the 2018 Budget for major projects such as METRONET, which are anticipated to support over 20,000 jobs across the State.

"The Thornlie-Cockburn Link will be Perth's first east-west connection, making travel around the city by train more convenient and improving public transport links to Perth's southern suburbs.

"The Yanchep Rail Extension is a 14.5-kilometre project that will deliver the final section of the Joondalup rail line from Butler to Yanchep, supporting the area's ongoing growth as well as reducing congestion on our roads."

WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said construction of the Thornlie-Cockburn Link would reduce reliance on our existing radial railway network and provide new options for train travel for eastern suburbs residents, along with a direct link from the Mandurah Line to Optus Stadium.

"Our plans for METRONET are taking shape, and the release of the RFP for the Thornlie-Cockburn Link and the Yanchep Rail Extension is a significant milestone," Ms Saffioti said.

"These public transport links will also transform the areas they travel through, from under-utilised industrial or rural areas to bustling new urban centres with a host of residential and business opportunities.

"The RFP stage of the contract for these two projects is a major step forward in our METRONET plan for Perth's suburbs. Combining both projects under an alliance contract will enable these community-boosting railway lines to be built quickly, efficiently, and economically.

"This will also likely be the first big contract delivered under the WA Jobs Law, which will maximise the benefits of the projects to the State by delivering more local jobs for Western Australians."

More than 3,000 jobs are expected to be created over both projects. The decision to deliver the project under this model is expected to maximise efficiencies and generate savings.

Applications close in October, with the shortlist to be announced in 2018.

After shortlisting, contractors will be required to provide a detailed bid indicating how they plan to construct the projects, before a contract to the successful bidder is awarded in mid-2019.

The 17.5-kilometre Thornlie-Cockburn Link will provide Perth's first east-west rail connection, linking Thornlie and Cockburn train stations. The project will involve construction of two new train stations at Ranford Road and Nicholson Road. New train stations will also be built at Alkimos, Eglinton and Yanchep along the Yanchep Rail Extension.

Transport Minister's office - 6552 5500